Coach Pep Guardiola urged Man City to beat Young Boys in the fourth round of Group G of the Champions League to secure a ticket to the knockout round with two matches early.
Man City are currently top of Group G with nine points after beating Red Star Belgrade, RB Leipzig and Young Boys 3-1. RB Leipzig are currently second with six points, while Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys have one point each.
If they continue to beat Young Boys at the Etihad Stadium today, Man City will advance to the knockout round with two legs early and make it 11 consecutive times to qualify for the Champions League group stage. During this period, other big English clubs such as Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea or Tottenham have not qualified for the Champions League at least once.
"It's a fantastic achievement," Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference. "For many years, qualifying for the Champions League has been a success for Man City. Of course, we have one or two chances if we don't get out of the group stage soon. But hopefully, we can finish tomorrow."
Guardiola at a press conference on November 6, before the Man City - Young Boys match in round 4 of Group G of the Champions League. Photo: mancity.com
With the Champions League title last season, Guardiola and Man City won the European Super Cup for the first time when defeating Sevilla and will have their first participation in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup taking place in Saudi Arabia in December. The tournament also clearly identified the competing clubs, including Man City, host Al Ittihad, Copa Libertadores champion Fluminense, AFC Champions League champion Urawa Reds, CAF Champions League champion Al Ahly, CONCACAF champion Leon and Oceania champion, Auckland City.
Having won the FIFA Club World Cup three times with Barca in 2009 and 2011 and Bayern in 2013, Guardiola believes Man City will have a tough time in their first appearance in the tournament despite being the favourites. "We will go there to compete, because it is a dream for us," the Spanish coach said. "The club has never won this tournament, so sometimes the players talk about it in the dressing room. I know they will want to add something unprecedented to their memorable careers."
Erling Haaland injured his ankle and was taken off early in the second half of the 6-1 win over Bournemouth in the 11th round of the Premier League last weekend. Guardiola said the Norwegian striker was feeling better, but would consult the medical team. He also revealed that 2022 World Cup winner Julian Alvarez would be pushed into the centre-forward position if Haaland was not available.
Guardiola was also asked about former assistant Mikel Arteta's criticism of the refereeing and VAR for a "disgraceful" decision in the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. "It's a sensitive issue, with a lot of problems in many games. It's difficult for the referee and for us," the 52-year-old coach replied. "I feel like in every country there's confusion about everything. My emotions are always high every game, but the organizers forbid coaches from complaining to the referee."
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