Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola exuded confidence ahead of his side’s pivotal Champions League clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday. With the English giants sitting precariously outside the top 24 in the league phase standings, nothing less than a victory at the Etihad will suffice to propel them into the knockout stages – a feat they have achieved in every season since 2012-13.
Despite the high stakes nature of the encounter, Guardiola appeared unperturbed in his pre-match press conference. The Spaniard conveyed an air of certainty that his charges would rise to the occasion and secure the result needed to keep their European ambitions alive.
I appreciate your concern for if we don’t qualify but I think we are going to do it. The situation that we have is that we have to win the game and if not we will not continue in this competition.
– Pep Guardiola
City’s underwhelming returns in the Champions League thus far – just two wins from seven matches – have left them in the precarious position of potentially missing out on a top 24 finish altogether. Ending up between 9th and 24th would condemn them to a two-legged playoff to reach the round of 16, an extra hurdle Guardiola will be desperate to avoid.
Their Belgian opponents sit 20th in the table and are one of only two remaining teams who could mathematically still end up in any of the three key positions – top 8, playoff positions 9-24, or elimination. Impressive wins over Aston Villa and Sporting CP, coupled with a draw against Juventus, have kept Club Brugge in the hunt heading into the final matchday.
Guardiola Draws on Past Experience
Guardiola was quick to point to his extensive Champions League pedigree when pressed on how he would approach such a crucial fixture. The City boss has overseen countless high-pressure European nights throughout his illustrious managerial career.
I’ve been here many years in the Champions League and these types of games I’ve played many times. Sooner or later you have to play them where if you win you go through and if you don’t you go out.
– Pep Guardiola
The two-time Champions League winning manager acknowledged his side’s shortcomings in the competition this term, but framed the Club Brugge clash as an opportunity rather than a threat. Having navigated such high-stakes affairs on numerous occasions, Guardiola will hope his big game nous can help steer City into safer waters.
Gvardiol: Confidence High After Chelsea Win
One factor fueling the quiet optimism in the City camp is their impressive 3-1 dispatching of Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend. The victory over their domestic rivals appears to have provided a much-needed shot in the arm ahead of the season-defining Brugge battle.
It’s obviously a final for us. We want to qualify for the next stage and our confidence is very good, especially after the last game [against Chelsea].
– Josko Gvardiol, Man City defender
Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol, one of City’s standout performers this campaign, echoed his manager’s bullishness while sounding a note of caution. The 21-year-old stressed Club Brugge’s quality should not be underestimated despite the Blues’ unconvincing continental form.
City Eager to Avoid Unwanted History
Failing to emerge from the Champions League group stage would represent uncharted and unwanted territory for Guardiola during his City tenure. Not since 2012-13, prior to the Catalan’s arrival, have the Premier League heavyweights fallen at the first hurdle in Europe’s elite club competition.
- Man City’s Champions League Group Stage Record Under Guardiola
- 2021-22: Round of 16 (4th in Group A)
- 2020-21: Quarter-Final (1st in Group C)
- 2019-20: Quarter-Final (1st in Group C)
- 2018-19: Quarter-Final(1st in Group F)
- 2017-18: Quarter-Final(1st in Group F)
- 2016-17: Round of 16 (2nd in Group C)
As the above shows, progressing to the knockout phase has become par for the course at the Etihad. A loss to Brugge would not only break that streak, but could have profound implications for Guardiola’s long-term project as he aims to finally deliver City’s first ever Champions League crown.
Conclusion: All Eyes on the Etihad
Wednesday’s showdown promises to be a nerve-jangling affair for the City faithful, but Guardiola’s assured demeanor suggests he believes his team have what it takes to get over the line. With the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson at his disposal, the Spaniard certainly has the firepower to blow Brugge away.
As the football world turns its gaze to the Etihad, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City stand on the brink of a defining moment in their season. A win sees them march on in search of elusive European glory, while defeat would prompt some uncomfortable questions about the direction of the club. For now, all they can do is focus on the task at hand and trust in their undeniable quality to see them through. Over to you, City.
