Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has raised alarms over the club’s financial situation, warning that missing out on Champions League football could have significant consequences.
After the team’s 1-1 draw with Everton on Boxing Day, Guardiola admitted that failing to secure a top-four finish this season would be a huge blow—not just on the pitch, but financially as well.
City have enjoyed an impressive 14-season run in Europe’s elite competition, the longest streak in English football, but their current struggles in the Premier League have put that in jeopardy.
With just one win in their last 13 games across all competitions, Guardiola’s side now sits seventh in the table, far from their usual position as title contenders.
The risk of missing out on Champions League football has sparked serious discussions at the club, particularly between Guardiola and City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
“We need to qualify for the Champions League. Financial is an issue, of course, but it’s not just about that,” Guardiola said after the draw with Everton.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining City’s presence in Europe, pointing to other dominant clubs in England that have fallen off after failing to secure Champions League football.
“You see what happens to clubs when they don’t qualify. It’s not easy to recover. We’re at risk now, definitely.”
Guardiola has often stated that qualifying for the Champions League is his primary goal each season, a target that aligns with the club’s financial model.
Missing out on the competition could disrupt City’s revenue streams, sponsorship deals, and their ability to attract top talent. While the team has relied on its consistency in recent years, Guardiola knows that this season’s struggles could have long-term effects.
Despite the challenges, Guardiola says he has full support from Al Mubarak. “We speak every week, and I feel incredibly supported,” he revealed. “But we both know that if something’s wrong, decisions will be made. For now, the backing is as strong as it’s ever been.”
The Everton draw, however, highlighted just how precarious City’s situation is.
Erling Haaland’s early goal was canceled out by a second-half equalizer, and the team’s lack of sharpness in front of goal left Guardiola visibly frustrated.
The result adds to mounting pressure as City prepare for another tough fixture against Leicester.
“We have to win games,” Guardiola said bluntly. “It’s as simple as that. If we don’t, it’s because we didn’t deserve it. We have problems we need to solve, and quickly.”
For now, Manchester City’s future remains uncertain. The risk of missing out on Champions League football is real, and with it comes the possibility of financial instability.
Guardiola’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved as the team fights to salvage their season.
