Guardiola Hails Resilience, City Secure Third

TDT | Manama

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Manchester City’s 2-0 win at Fulham on Sunday locked in a Champions League spot for next season, a feat manager Pep Guardiola hailed as akin to lifting the Premier League trophy given the team’s injury-plagued campaign. Goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland ensured City finished third, and Guardiola was full of praise for his squad’s grit at Craven Cottage.

A Season of Struggle

City’s campaign was rocked by injuries and bad luck from the off, making their usual title charge a tough ask. “It’s like a title, [given] the obstacles,” Guardiola said, reflecting on a season where lesser teams might have slumped to mid-table. Instead, City stayed in the hunt, finishing just behind Arsenal but well adrift of champions Liverpool. The Spaniard’s pride in his players’ fight was clear as they secured a top-four spot.

Clutch Goals Seal It

Gundogan’s composure and Haaland’s clinical edge delivered the goods against Fulham, with City’s attacking quality shining through despite their challenges. City dominated with 20 shots and 53.3% possession, underlining their ability to grind out results. Guardiola called the performance a testament to the squad’s refusal to fold, even when a Premier League title was out of reach.

Squad Tweaks on Horizon

Looking ahead, Guardiola hinted at a busy summer, but not a major overhaul. “New faces, but not too many,” he said, aiming to streamline his squad. Jack Grealish’s absence from the matchday squad raised eyebrows, but Guardiola dismissed any rift. “I don’t have any problem with any of the players,” he insisted, explaining it was a numbers game with five others also left out. Decisions on Grealish’s future, he added, rest with the club.

Champions League Beckons

Third place ensures City’s return to Europe’s top table, a platform Guardiola will use to rebuild for next season. While admitting they must close the gap to Liverpool, he’s optimistic. “We have to improve, and hopefully we can do it,” he said. With Champions League revenue secured, City’s summer plans are taking shape, promising an exciting 2025/26 campaign.