Pep Guardiola: Manchester City Will Qualify for Champions League

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expresses confidence in securing a top-five spot in the Premier League for Champions League qualification, despite a tough run-in with key players like Kevin De Bruyne set to leave the club.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his unwavering confidence in his team's ability to secure a top-five spot in the Premier League, guaranteeing them a spot in the Champions League for the next season. With Liverpool already clinching the title and Arsenal securing a top-five finish, the battle for the remaining spots is intense. However, Guardiola remains optimistic about City's chances.

PEP 💬 We played a really good [FA Cup] final, but not enough to win it. We have the last two [Premier League] games. We need four points to be in the Champions League and this is enough and everyone has to be aware of that. pic.twitter.com/dT09kRfPic

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2025

Guardiola's confidence stems from his team's determination and resilience. Despite facing setbacks, City has been working tirelessly to ensure a strong finish to the season. With six teams set to play in the Champions League next season, including the top five in the final Premier League table and the Europa League winner, City is focused on securing a spot through their league position.

Current Standings:

Top Teams:

• Liverpool: Already clinched the Premier League title
• Arsenal: Secured a top-five finish

Champions League Spots:

Top five teams in the Premier League table

• Europa League winner (Tottenham and Manchester United are in the final)

City's Chances:

• Currently sixth, level on points with Chelsea, with a game in hand over most rivals
• Guardiola believes City has “ten finals" to qualify for the Champions League

Guardiola's assertion that City will qualify for the Champions League comes after a challenging season. However, with their sights set on the top five, City is determined to make a strong comeback.

Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are currently tied for third place with 66 points each after 37 matches. Meanwhile, Manchester City trails behind in sixth place with 65 points but has a game in hand over the top three clubs. Given the tight competition, City's game in hand could be a crucial advantage. It's worth noting that City's potential failure to qualify for Europe's elite club competition would be a rare occurrence, with the last time happening in the 2009-10 season.

The current standings have Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa level on points, with Manchester City just a point behind. According to Opta Probability, City has an 85.90% chance of securing a Champions League spot, while Newcastle and Chelsea have probabilities of 83.55% and 56.84%, respectively. Aston Villa, also tied on points with Newcastle and Chelsea, has a 44.42% probability.

“If we are not there (Champions League), then we don't deserve it and will be in the Europa League. It is what it is,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of Tuesday's home game against 11th-placed Bournemouth.

“I am thinking we are going to qualify. My thoughts and the way I think - I think that. We need four points. That is the main target. I am absolutely (confident of qualifying).”

Manchester City is seeking to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday. The team will look to regroup and refocus on securing a top-five finish in the Premier League to guarantee a spot in the Champions League for the next season.

“We played a really good final, not enough to win it. And we have the last two games, we need four points to next year to be in the Champions League. This is enough, and everyone has to be aware of that,” Guardiola said.

“Newcastle won the Carabao Cup (League Cup), Liverpool won the Premier League and City won the Community Shield. The other teams didn't win anything,” the Spaniard added.

Manchester City's upcoming match against Bournemouth will be the club's final home game of the season. Following that, they'll face Fulham in the last Premier League round. The Bournemouth match will also be a special occasion, as it marks Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne's last home game for City. The 33-year-old midfielder has announced his departure from the club after 10 successful years.

“We want to win the game so we can qualify for the Champions League next season - this is what Kevin wants, it couldn't be otherwise,” Guardiola said.

“I am going to decide what is the best for us to win the game against Bournemouth, that is for sure. Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible trajectory.”

Memories 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qRNIVsNiht

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2025