London, March 9: Manchester City will have to make rapid improvements if they are to qualify for Champions League football after losing 1-0 at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola said.
Surprise-package Forest remained third in the table with 51 points after 28 matches, four points above fourth-placed City. But reigning champions City could drop out of the top four if Chelsea, who are fifth, avoid a loss against relegation-threatened Leicester City at Stamford Bridge later on Sunday.City’s campaign has been hindered by a rash of injuries, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake among those sidelined.“We have to win games and if we don’t win enough games in a row to be secure, it will be a battle. We have 10 games left and we have to win a lot of games to qualify. It’s as simple as that,” Guardiola told reporters.“To find a way, you have to play better. You have to find something. It will not come from the sky. You have to do it. In situations you have to find something.
“The situation is what it is, we have 10 games left starting next Saturday against Brighton, international break after and then we will see what happens.”
Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi struck in the 83rd-minute to give his side all three points at the City Ground and boost their chances of a top-four finish.
“It was a really tight game at the end, one action with the transition we couldn’t do it,” Guardiola said.
“It was a little bit slow in our process, we struggled to create chances, but always I give credit to the opponent because they defended really well.”Manchester City now finds itself in an unfamiliar and precarious position, with their hopes of securing Champions League qualification hanging in the balance. As the Premier League season nears its final stretch, Guardiola’s side faces mounting pressure to rediscover their rhythm and consistency. The loss to Nottingham Forest not only exposed City’s struggles in breaking down resilient opposition but also highlighted the impact of key injuries that have plagued their campaign. With just 10 matches remaining, the margin for error has significantly reduced, and every fixture will be a test of their resilience and adaptability. The upcoming clash against Brighton will serve as a crucial litmus test, as City seeks to regain momentum before the international break. While Guardiola remains confident in his squad’s ability to turn things around, the reality is that they must start delivering results immediately to avoid slipping further behind. With Chelsea and other rivals breathing down their necks, City’s aspirations of finishing in the top four depend not just on tactical improvements but also on their ability to find a renewed sense of urgency and hunger. (Agencies)
