Guardiola: Bad Season for Man City despite potential Champions League Spot

Pep Guardiola dismissed suggestions that this season could be considered special if Manchester City secures Champions League qualification. The dramatic 2-1 victory over Aston Villa lifted his team to third place in the standings, but they are still 18 points behind Liverpool at the top.

“This season has been bad — regardless of whether we reach the FA Cup final or qualify for the Champions League,” stated Guardiola. “What determines a good season is the Premier League, not other competitions.”

Matheus Nunes‘ 94th-minute goal secured City‘s win after Bernardo Silva‘s opener was canceled out by Marcus Rashford‘s penalty. The victory puts City on 61 points — narrowly ahead of Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Unai Emery, Aston Villa‘s manager, now sitting seventh with 57 points, remains hopeful. “There are still matches and points to play for. We will have chances to get Champions League qualification,” he said.

The victory over Aston Villa gives Manchester City some momentum, but Guardiola‘s focus remains on improving in the league and making sure the team performs at its highest level for the rest of the season.