Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola conceded that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were the better side following City’s 4-2 loss to the French champions in their Champions League clash on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes.
City squandered a two-goal lead, putting their Champions League progression in jeopardy.
“They were better. We have to accept it,” Guardiola told reporters post-match. “We have one last chance at home against Bruges. We will do everything there, and if we don’t, it’s because we don’t deserve it. It’s sport, and it is like that.”
The match saw City take early control in the second half, with goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland. However, PSG responded, as Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola levelled the score by the hour mark. Joao Neves then put the hosts ahead with a header in the 78th minute, and Goncalo Ramos sealed the win in stoppage time.
The victory moved PSG above City in the standings, with Guardiola’s team now 25th out of 36 teams, holding eight points from seven games. Only the top 24 teams qualify for the knockout phase. City will face Club Brugge in their final league-phase fixture next Wednesday, with a win likely enough to secure a spot in the play-off round.
Before their decisive Champions League clash, City face a crucial Premier League fixture against Chelsea on Saturday, as they continue to fight for a top-four domestic finish.
“I knew it would be tough. PSG is an exceptional team. We could not cope,” Guardiola admitted. He highlighted PSG’s extra man in midfield as a key factor. “I would like to say differently, but when one team plays better, you have to accept it.”
Guardiola stressed the importance of moving forward, saying, “Now we have to prepare for a tough game against Chelsea and, of course, the final against Bruges. The players gave everything.”
It remains uncertain whether Ruben Dias will feature in either of those games after the Portuguese defender was substituted at halftime in Paris.
“He asked to be replaced because he didn’t feel good,” Guardiola said of Dias, who had only recently returned from an injury layoff.
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