Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is upbeat about his team’s chances of defeating Club Brugge in Wednesday’s must-win UEFA Champions League match, Afrosport reports.
Guardiola hopes City can produce “something special” to help save their European campaign as they currently sit just outside the top 24 spots in the new 36-team Champions League format.
The Premier League champions have just two wins from their previous seven games and must defeat Club Brugge at the Etihad Stadium to have any chance of remaining in the competition.
“The situation that we have is that we have to win the game and if not we will not continue in this competition,” said Guardiola. “But it’s not a problem, it’s an opportunity, a challenge, and we will face it.
“We would like to score a lot in the first 20 minutes but I don’t think it is going to happen. The approach is to read the game we have to play – be completely relaxed, no emotions and understand the game.
“I know these types of games you have to put in something special – something there has not been enough of so far in this Champions League – to win the games.”
Come on, City! 💪#ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/9C2SmRBoRq
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 29, 2025
City’s current situation was not helped by their 4-2 loss at Paris Saint-Germain last week, where they failed to hold on to a two-goal lead.
However, Guardiola, who said he is not thinking of the effects an early elimination from the tournament can have on the team, is adamant his side has what it takes to win the game and qualify.
“It’s not personally for me, it’s for the club,” the Spaniard said when asked about the potential pitfalls of not qualifying for the knockout stages. “And of course, it will not be good.
“But I’m not thinking about that right now. I know for all the people concerned about what’s going to happen [if we don’t] qualify. I appreciate it, you’re concerned all of you. But I’m thinking we’re going to do it.”
City, currently on eight points, are just one place outside of securing a playoff position, and a win against Club Brugge, who are three points and five spots above them, is crucial to their course.
