Guardiola Remains Hopeful For Man City's Top Four Push

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City can still secure a Champions League spot despite acknowledging the growing pressure felt by his players during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brighton. The result saw City fail to move back into the Premier League's top four after twice surrendering the lead against their Champions League rivals at the Etihad Stadium.

Currently sitting in fifth place, Guardiola's side trails Chelsea, who play Arsenal on Sunday, and the mounting pressure is a new experience for both players and fans after winning four consecutive Premier League titles. Guardiola admitted there was a sense of anxiety around the club, saying, "Yes, definitely. Everybody feels the pressure. But it is what it is. We have to play better and after, they will be back."

Despite the mounting pressure, Guardiola remains confident that his team will fight their way back into the top four. He pointed out that, while the top four is guaranteed Champions League qualification, fifth place could still secure a spot depending on how English clubs perform in Europe this season. "Im always confident, in that I am a master. I do have moments when I can doubt, but I find the right way, the positiveness in everything," Guardiola said, stressing that City has nine crucial games remaining.

While acknowledging that the 2-2 draw was disappointing, Guardiola was more upbeat about the teams performance compared to their recent 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. "The performance was much, much, much better than the Nottingham Forest defeat," he said, noting that while City created good moments, Brighton's players controlled the game well.

Guardiola's main frustration was a second-half yellow card for Jeremy Doku, who was booked for diving despite having jumped out of the way of a challenge from Jan Paul van Hecke. Guardiola was critical of the decision, insisting, "If he doesn't jump, he can break his leg," and added that Doku is not a player who dives. He also confirmed that goalkeeper Ederson missed the match due to an abdominal injury, but emphasised that such decisions were not the reason City failed to win.