Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted that his team is currently not in shape to win the Champions League, but remains hopeful that they will improve before facing European giants Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the next round.

Despite a shaky 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, City narrowly avoided an embarrassing group-stage exit. A first-half scare saw them trailing 1-0, before a second-half comeback kept their hopes alive in the competition.

However, Guardiola was brutally honest about his team’s form:

"Right now, no. I’m so realistic," he said when asked if City could defend their 2023 Champions League title.

Tough Road Ahead for City

City’s reward for qualifying could be a daunting clash against either defending champions Real Madrid or Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.

Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty ahead:

“Madrid is back in terms of results. Bayern have played an incredible season so far. If we have to play tomorrow, it will be difficult, but in two weeks, we don’t know.”

The Spanish tactician is banking on the return of key injured players and new signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis to strengthen his squad before the knockout round.

City’s Premier League Struggles Add to Worries

Aside from their Champions League troubles, City’s domestic form has been underwhelming. They currently sit fourth in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 points.

Guardiola ruled out any hopes of a title defense, saying:

“We are fourth in the Premier League, not in the title race, no way, but still we are there.”

Despite these struggles, City have won six of their last eight games, showing some signs of resilience.

The New Champions League Format: More Drama, More Pressure

City’s last-minute qualification was one of the biggest talking points on the final night of the new Champions League "Swiss model" format.

While Guardiola acknowledged that the format adds excitement, he also admitted it creates more stress for clubs:

“As a spectator, how many things were still to be decided is nice. The problem is we play more games in October, November, and December. In the future, important teams will face what we faced this season.”

Reflecting on City’s near-elimination, he emphasized the lesson learned:

“We were on the verge, 45 minutes from being out. It is an incredible lesson for me, for the club, that nothing is taken for granted.”

Opinion: Can City Bounce Back?

Guardiola’s concerns are not misplaced. City look vulnerable this season—both in Europe and England. Their defensive inconsistencies, injuries, and lack of rhythm have made them far from the dominant side that won the treble last year.

However, if Guardiola finds solutions quickly, and key players regain fitness, City could still pose a serious challenge in the Champions League.

But can they survive the test of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich? That remains to be seen.

What Do You Think?

• Can Manchester City recover in time to challenge for the Champions League?

• Is Guardiola right to doubt his team's title chances?

• How much of an impact will their new signings and injured players returning make?

Drop your thoughts below! ⚽🔵🔥