Pep Guardiola admits that the qualification of the Champions League of Man City “ will be difficult ” After Draw vs Brighton – Firstpost

Manchester City is likely to miss a place among the first four in the English Premier League and a qualification place for the UEFA Champions League next season after a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

A 2-2 draw with Brighton left the champions temporarily in fifth place with nine games to play.

Guardiola ready for “Nine games, nine finals”

Municipal director Pep Guardiola did not chop his words by describing the enormity of the challenge after another disappointing result for his team.

“Until the end, I think yes,” Guardiola told journalists. “Nine games, nine finals.

“I’m still confident,” he added. “I am a master. I find positivity in everything. I know it will be difficult. “

Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush struck City, who looked for victory at the Etihad stadium before the goal of the city defender Abdukodir Khusanov meant that the teams had to be satisfied with one point each, Brighton’s first in Etihad.

“It is a fact that we won the first point here, but more a disappointing feeling that we have not returned home with three points,” said Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Haaland has entered history by reaching 100 premier league goals faster than before, in 94 games, six less than the old Blackburn, Newcastle United and the England striker Alan Sheare.

“Not bad,” smiles Guardiola.

The afternoon presented an unwanted record for the manager, however, because the goal of Khusanov was the 40th conceded in the league this season, the most by any team of the city managed by Guardiola in a single campaign.

“We started the second half 2-1 and had a good chance,” said Guardiola. “In the area, we were sloppy and they equalized then we were unstable. It’s normal.

“We came back in the match and had very good times. They then had a clear chance, but we were there and we pushed until the end. We are going to take stock.”

With agency entries