Pep Guardiola remains confident that Manchester City will secure Champions League football despite admitting the pressure is mounting following their 2-2 draw with Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
City twice surrendered the lead in a crucial clash against their top-four rivals, missing the chance to climb back into the Premier League’s Champions League places.
With fourth-placed Chelsea set to face Arsenal on Sunday, Guardiola’s side sit fifth, an unusual position for a team accustomed to dominating English football.
After securing four consecutive Premier League titles, the shift in expectations has been felt across the club. Guardiola acknowledged the growing tension but urged his players to respond.
“Yes, definitely. Everybody feels the pressure,” the City boss admitted. “But it is what it is. We have to play better, and after that, they will be back. In the good moments, the fans are there, but of course, they feel it when things aren’t going well.”
Despite their struggles, Guardiola remains unwavering in his belief that City will qualify for Europe’s elite competition. With the top four earning automatic qualification—and a strong possibility that fifth place could also be enough—City’s fate is still in their hands.
“I’m always confident. In that, I am a master,” Guardiola said with a smile. “I do have moments of doubt, but I always find the right way, the positivity in everything. I know it will be difficult for many reasons, but we have nine games left—nine finals.”
Guardiola was largely satisfied with his team’s performance, especially after their shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their previous league outing.
“The performance was much, much, much better than against Nottingham Forest,” he said. “We had good moments, but Brighton have fantastic players, and they controlled us well.”
However, one moment of frustration came when Jeremy Doku was booked for diving in the second half. Guardiola insisted his winger was simply avoiding a dangerous challenge from Jan Paul van Hecke.
“If he doesn’t jump, he can break his leg,” Guardiola argued. “Jeremy is not a diving player. They should know that, but we didn’t win or lose because of those decisions.”
City were also without goalkeeper Ederson, who missed the game due to an abdominal injury. As the season nears its climax, Guardiola will need his squad at full strength to ensure they finish in the Premier League’s top four and keep their Champions League hopes alive.
