Champions League: Guardiola confident of Man City’s chances in play-offs

Pep Guardiola remains optimistic about Manchester City‘s Champions League prospects, despite their near-early exit. City’s comeback 3-1 win against Club Brugge prevented them from crashing out before the knockout stages for the first time since 2012. They now face the daunting task of playing either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-offs.

City’s Premier League form has also been a concern, currently sitting fourth and 12 points behind leaders Liverpool. However, Guardiola is hopeful that the return of injured players and the availability of new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis will strengthen the squad in the coming weeks.

“Right now no. I’m so realistic,” Guardiola admitted when asked about City’s chances of winning the Champions League again. “Madrid is back in terms of results, Bayern played an incredible season so far with (coach) Vinny (Kompany). If we have to play tomorrow it will be difficult but in two weeks we don’t know. We are going to prepare well, be fit and try it and see what happens.”

Despite their struggles, City have maintained a decent run of form, winning six and drawing one of their last eight games. “At least lately we are getting results,” Guardiola added. “We are fourth in Premier League, not in the title race, no way, but still we are there. FA Cup we are there. Sometimes it is impossible today but tomorrow the mindset, the vibes change and I’m pretty sure we will try and create problems for Madrid or Bayern.”

City’s narrow escape highlighted the drama of the new “Swiss model” format in the Champions League. Guardiola acknowledged the increased excitement for fans, even if it caused him considerable stress. He also predicted similar challenges for other big clubs in the future.

“As a spectator how many things (were still to be decided) is nice. The problem is we play more games in October, November, December and in the future important teams will live what we lived this season. We were on the verge, 45 minutes from being out. It is an incredible lesson for me, the club that nothing is (taken) for granted. Congratulate the team because still they have pride and we’ll see how we arrive in two weeks.”