Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester City have coped with adversity better than most this season, after a 5-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace left their Champions League hopes firmly in their own hands.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola highlighted the toll of injuries and the psychological fatigue that has affected his squad, which lifted the Premier League title for a record fourth time just last May.
“This season, maybe it’s the season where we came back more with results,” he said. “In previous seasons we were not able to turn it around but this season, we have done it because we haven’t played good.”
The Spaniard went on to emphasise the lack of rhythm and spark in his team at times, but praised the resilience they have shown.
“If the level had been quite similar to today we would have been up there fighting with the top teams but the team has not played good, without this energy that was the characteristic of this generation of players.
“Some seasons happen. Try and limit the damage as much as possible, go into Europe next season fighting for the FA Cup and prepare for the Club World Cup and next season.”
Guardiola revealed that five key players were unavailable for the Palace game and said that, in similar circumstances, other teams would have struggled far more.
“You cannot win all the time and with the season we have done other teams would be in 10th or 12th. I promise you,” he stated. “The incredible situations that we had this season with injuries and how we went a little bit flat in many departments, we would be miles back.
“The Premier League speaks for itself. Instead of that, it’s not perfect but it’s in our hands for the last six games to qualify for the Champions League next season.”
City are now preparing for their next fixtures, including trips to Goodison Park and a key FA Cup tie against Aston Villa. Guardiola confirmed his squad will get a short mental rest before the decisive run-in.
“Now we have two days off and the players must be mentally rested, prepare for four or five days for Goodison and then an important week with Aston Villa and the FA Cup. I think we will be ready,” he said