03.04.2025 20:00
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about whether his team will be able to participate in the UEFA Champions League next season. When reminded of Mourinho's past comments, Guardiola stated, "Reaching the Champions League would be a great achievement despite the problems we have faced. I now understand why Jose said that."
While Manchester City, which has fallen away from the top of the Premier League and also bid farewell to the UEFA Champions League, remains uncertain about its participation in next season's Champions League, Spanish coach Pep Guardiola made a noteworthy statement. Guardiola expressed his agreement with Jose Mourinho, who is currently managing Fenerbahçe.
QUESTION ABOUT MOURINHO'S STATEMENT
Speaking at a press conference before the Leicester City match, Guardiola stated that it is wrong to think that City will participate in the Champions League every season. A journalist asked Guardiola about Mourinho's statement in 2018, which claimed that qualifying for the Champions League and finishing second in the league behind City was one of the greatest achievements as a coach.
"NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY JOSE SAID THIS"
In response to being reminded of Mourinho's words, "My greatest achievement in my career is finishing second in the Premier League with Manchester United," Guardiola indicated that he agrees with the Portuguese coach, saying, "Reaching the Champions League next season would be a great achievement despite the problems we are facing. Now I understand why Jose said this. We want to play in the Champions League next season for the club," he said.
Pointing out that everyone assumes City will always be in the Champions League, the Catalan coach stated, "This is difficult. Otherwise, all the big teams would be in the Champions League every season. But that is not the case," he said.
"THIS SEASON IS VERY STRANGE"
The Spanish coach stated that the reason for this season's failure is injuries, saying, "This season is very strange, very difficult. Firstly, we did not have the necessary players. That is the main reason. Then, there are many other factors, but especially this. If you don't have your players, you cannot compete in all competitions," he expressed.