Manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he is concerned about Manchester City failing to qualify for next season's Champions League. The Citizens have played in the Champions League for 14 consecutive seasons and missing out would have serious financial consequences.
The Etihad outfit are currently seventh in the Premier League, four points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest. Fifth place would guarantee a Champions League place, with UEFA awarding two leagues an extra place based on their performance in all European competitions this season. However, Guardiola has made his concerns clear as he prepares for the trip to Everton.
"Man City are the only team that have qualified for the Champions League for 11 or 12 years in a row. But now we are struggling, we have to win, collect points. If not, Man City will not be in the Champions League next season.
If we cannot participate in the Champions League, it is simply because we do not deserve to be in this tournament. We are not well prepared, so it leads to many problems" - said the Spanish strategist.
Guardiola's concerns are not entirely unfounded. In fact, they are currently only two points ahead of the 10th-placed team in the Premier League. If they do not improve their form soon, The Citizens could be completely eliminated from the race for the top group.
The history of the Premier League has seen many big teams like Liverpool, Man United or Chelsea fall into similar situations. Therefore, there is no guarantee that Man City will not follow the same path, especially with their current form.
Of course, Man City can qualify for next season's Champions League by winning this year's title, but their first challenge is to reach the last 16, having finished 22nd out of 36.
The Etihad outfit are currently on their worst run of form in 21 years, but Guardiola still has the backing of chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak despite City having won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions.
"I feel incredibly supported. Me and Chairman Al Mubarak know that if something goes wrong, we will make a decision together. But so far, everything has been positive," Guardiola added.
