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Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League are hanging in the balance after their 1-0 defeat by their top-five rivals Nottingham Forest. City were limited to three shots on target, despite dominating with almost 70% possession, as Forest’s ability to soak up pressure and hit superior teams on the break was proven once again by Callum Hudson Odoi’s winner.
The City manager paid tribute to Forest’s defensive prowess but pointed out that his team’s chances of qualifying for the competition they won two years ago remain in their own hands. The reigning Premier League champions have won four, including two FA Cup games, and lost five of their last nine matches and Guardiola accepted that results are too inconsistent.
“We have to win games,” he said. “We don’t win enough games in a row to be secure. We have 10 games left; we have to win a lot of games to qualify. This is how it is. To find a way, we have to play better. We have to do something; it doesn’t come from the sky.”
While Guardiola looked to the rest of the season, Nuno Espírito Santo is refusing to look beyond the next game. Forest are five points clear of sixth-placed Brighton in the race for Champions League qualification with fifth almost certain to be enough to earn entry to Europe’s premier competition.
“We are very happy,” the Forest head coach said. “We did a very good game against a tough team. The defensive display was good. [We are] proud and happy.”
Forest have beaten Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa and City this season while holding Arsenal recently. “We are talking about the best teams around,” Nuno said. “It always gives you the confidence that you can compete well against such good players.
“It allows us to grow as a team, but it doesn’t change the opponent ahead of you because the Premier League is very tough. Now, we look ahead to Ipswich [next Saturday]. Let’s rest because it was a tough week for us. Many of our players made 120 minutes-plus [also against Ipswich, in the FA Cup on Monday] and now 90 minutes today. Thank God they are healthy for now. Let’s keep them healthy, recover and prepare for the next one.
“The players are doing amazing, the fans are giving us help, so let’s keep on enjoying.”
Hudson-Odoi told TNT Sports: “We know it’s the last games of the season and we’re going to have to fight every single game. I’m absolutely buzzing with the goal and I’m happy for the team at the end of the day. It’s not just me, it’s the whole team’s performance.
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“We worked hard and we deserved it. We’re buzzing for the win and I hope we can enjoy it now, but we have to recover and go again next week.”
Nuno paid tribute to Stuart Pearce and wished the Forest and England legend a speedy recovery from his mid-flight health scare. “Stuart is not just a legend of our club, he is part of our family,” Nuno said. “We all send him our very best wishes and hope he has a full and fast recovery.”
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