Manchester City

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Qualification for the premier club competition in European football is unfortunately the bare minimum for the modern Manchester City side, a reflection of the sensational standards set by Pep Guardiola since his arrival in 2016.

That is not of course to undermine the achievement of qualifying via a top-five finish this season.

And yes, it would be an achievement for this City squad. Given all the struggles through fitness and injury blows scattered across the side at crucial points of this season, making it into the Champions League would be a remarkable feat when all is considered.

But how would it feel to miss out? From a pure fans' perspective, you have only to reminisce on that night in Istanbul, when history was made, our wildest dreams came true, and the most memorable evening in the club's history played out in front of our very eyes at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium - that is what we would be missing out on.

Experiencing that one more time is the ultimate drive behind getting back into the competition to do it all over again from next season.

Then you consider the financial impact on the club, the effect on signing the next iteration of legends, missing out on special nights at a revamped and expanded Etihad Stadium… You could go on and on.

It all comes down to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. A chance to continue to build a club that Kevin de Bruyne played an integral role in taking to the very summit of European football.

There is no bigger motivation than to do as the captain would want to himself - to compete on the highest stage, taking on the very best to prove we are the very best.

One last shot at saving our season, to set up the future, and perhaps create more history once again.

That's the message.

Clear as day.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

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Each team in the race for the top five will have to keep an eye on other results, but deep down, you just want to be able to focus on your own business.

You want to be able to win your game out on the pitch, but the nature of the matches are really different. You have the head-to-head between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Then you have the likes of Manchester City playing away, Aston Villa playing away, you have got Newcastle playing at home against Everton, and when you are at home you are always going to be tough to play. So it is going to be a really, really nervous phase for all those teams involved.

How do I see it playing out? I am not sure I could tell you right now which way it is going to go. It just comes down to moments, and that is really cliche but a one-off game is almost like a final. As it stands, to go into the weekend knowing that you have a real chance, the fans of all the teams will be nervous, but you are one win away from being there.

As a player on the pitch, you absolutely get a sense of what is going on elsewhere, especially if you are at home.

You know what is happening, but then how does that affect your game? You could be losing, you could be up against it at one point, but then other teams start losing or drawing and you are back in the qualifying spots. How do you manage the next moments? How do you manage the last 10 to 15 minutes of the game when a result is one way or the other? Teams can score multiple goals in the blink of an eye, and desperation is one of the real causes for that. All of a sudden, when the kitchen sink is being thrown at people, anything is possible.

As a player, it can be really exciting. You want things to be going your way, but it is very hard to only focus on your game when other things matter at the same time. There is a double level of anxiety because you can control one thing but you cannot control the other, so you can't ever be comfortable.

From the outside, it is an exciting situation, but from the inside, you just hope that you are winning your game of football so you can just take all that out of it.

The 'as it stands' type days, they are some of the best days in football.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

The race for the three remaining Champions League qualification spots in the Premier League is going right down to the wire.

With one round of fixtures remaining, just three points separate Manchester City in third and Nottingham Forest in seventh.

With five teams vying for three positions, it leaves some clubs with their fate in their own hands, while others will be relying on favours to secure their place.

Newcastle United and Chelsea know that wins will guarantee them spots in Europe's elite competition in 2025-26.

And, with a two points and a 17-goal cushion, just a point but would all but guarantee City a place.

Nottingham Forest, who have spent much of the season occupying one of those top five spots, will need to beat Chelsea and hope for a slip up from teams above them, while Aston Villa will also be hoping for a bit of help from elsewhere.

It is set to be an anxious Sunday for those watching in the stadium and elsewhere.

But where do you think all five teams will finish?

Make your selection here

Napoli and Chicago Fire are leading the race to sign 33-year-old Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who will leave Manchester City as a free agent this summer. (Talksport, external)

Manchester City midfielder James McAtee is a target for Bayer Leverkusen, while the 22-year-old Englishman is also being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs. (Sky Germany, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

We asked our Manchester City fan contributor for their four candidates for player of the season and you can now select your top one.

Josko Gvardiol

Starring in a position that has been problematic for Manchester City for many seasons, Gvardiol has been crucial defensively and offensively. The only player not to succumb to successive fitness problems, offering versatility in the centre of defence when required. A star for the present and future, an ever-dependable rock at the back.

Mateo Kovacic

Came under plenty of criticism when handed the impossible task of replacing Rodri, but grew into the role alongside a defensive midfield partner, providing necessary legs and energy to keep an ageing City side alive. A transitional mastermind, carrying the team forward and popping up with goals at vital moments during the run-in.

Jeremy Doku

Nicknamed 'The Finisher' within the club and supporters, Doku has exemplified the future of Pep Guardiola's side. Direct, unstoppable, lightning-quick - and now with an eye for a final pass and shot - the Belgian is coming into a world of his own. When needing the spark to close out a game, run at tired legs, add dynamism to stale and slow processes, the 22-year-old brings all of that in abundance.

Erling Haaland

We have said it time and time again since his arrival in 2022, but where on earth would Manchester City be without Haaland this season?! 34 goal contributions to his name in a season that has also seen him miss several weeks through injury, more than double the next highest provider. A supposedly underperforming Haaland this season, a man battling his own exceptional standards in front of goal.

Honourable mentions

There are a few to note, unfortunately those who cannot be considered having largely not featured for the duration of the entire campaign, or perhaps don't stack up against the likes of those listed above above.

Ederson has come on leaps and bounds in his own game this season, improving his shot-stopping and offering magic moments with his ball distribution that is largely unrivalled within the game. Ruben Dias' excellence and importance has also shone through in our defensive vulnerability at times when he has not played. James McAtee, Nico O'Reilly and Matheus Nunes have also been important in their own right, and Omar Marmoush was exactly the sort of player we were crying out for in the January transfer market.

Pick your 2024-25 City player of the season from our shortlist here

And tell us why you're picking who you are, or why you'd have gone for another player not on the list, here

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

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We asked for your views on Rodri's return from injury and Pep Guardiola's comment that he could "quit" this summer if his squad size is not reduced.

Here are some of your replies:

Neil: Absolutely fantastic to see Rodri return. While it wasn't on the scale of Colin Bell's return, which I witnessed personally back in December 1977, it was just as emotional and similarly so important for morale. Welcome back, Rodders. You have been much, much missed!

Rajkumar: Guardiola needs to trim the squad but, in doing so, he has to sell at least six players. The team needs more energy and aggressiveness in midfield. He also needs to add a central defender and an attacking right-back. Haaland has to add to his game because he has lost confidence as the main striker. City made some poor choices this season when purchasing players in January - and add to this Guardiola not being at his managerial best this season.

Andrew: Returning players need time to refresh their cutting edge and maybe the infuriating Club World Cup might give the squad that opportunity. The established (and mostly injured) players need to light their torches and lead the newer or younger players through to the excellence we have come to expect from a City team and squad. By the same token, some of the current squad need to leave. There might be some shocks in this department, but it may lead to some fresh ideas and legs in what has become a slow moving team. Who knows what will come out next season, but it could be very exciting.

Alan: Pep, there are no rules. As far as I know, you can reduce your squad size to whatever you desire - or am I wrong?

Keith: We already have enough good technical footballers, but we do need a better coaching team to create more styles of play when slow build-up and passing doesn't work. Some players need personal development now - Haaland, Marmoush, Savinho, Nunes, Nico, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Bobb. There is also still the best of Rodri, Foden, Bernardo, Doku, Kovacic and Ruben to build on! We just need to make the Champions League qualification.

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We knew that Manchester City were not going into the FA Cup final playing at their usual standard but since they have lost, people are making out they are in some form of crisis.

City do not need a whole rebuild. I was there at Wembley and there were a lot of players who were missing. The likes of John Stones, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and Mateo Kovacic, who have all played their part for City in the past.

There will be players next season who will want to make amends for this season, so I don't think the narrative around them needing a rebuild is right.

Yes, there are some players in the squad who are on the older side, but they are still the minority make-up of the team rather than the majority.

A player like Kevin de Bruyne leaving is a blow for them but they have still got the same manager and core of the squad. That should leave them chomping at the bit to go again next season.

City just need a more stable year and a season where there are not players out for long stretches of games. If they can do that then they will probably be able to re-find the form we have been used to seeing in years gone by.

The younger players, especially those they bought in the January transfer window, have time to improve and they will alongside the players that have been there longer and achieved great success.

Players always ask themselves at the end of a season how it went for them personally and for some they will think, 'well I haven't played enough, or well enough at times', and that is when they will make decisions on what they are going to be like next year.

I am trying to be positive about it all because it is not all doom and gloom.

Next season's starting 11 could look very different to what it is now even if they don't bring anyone else in because of the young talent and injured players that will rejoin the squad.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Image source, Getty Images

Not only did Manchester City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday night put them in the driving seat for Champions League qualification, it also saw the long-awaited return of midfielder Rodri.

The 28-year-old received a standing ovation when he came on for Erling Haaland in the 83rd minute, having been out for eight months with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that he sustained against Arsenal in September.

Having been such a crucial part of the club's recent success, it was a welcome sight for fans too see the Ballon d'Or winner return as a difficult season for Pep Guardiola's side nears its end.

It also meant Rodri's run of unbeaten matches in the Premier League extended to 36 games.

His return may also impact what the club decide to do over the summer as Guardiola claimed after their win against the Cherries that he could "quit" if the squad size is not reduced.

Rodri's consistency and leadership in the team may now provide some leeway in who the City boss wants to stay and who he would allow to leave.

So, how do you feel about Rodri's injury return?

And what do you make of Guardiola's comments about the squad?

Let us know

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We asked for your thoughts after Kevin de Bruyne signed off from his last home game on a high, as Manchester City hit three goals past Bournemouth to move one step closer to securing Champions League football.

Here are some of your comments:

Usama: A legend bowing out at the Etihad, he will be missed. As for the performance, it was mixed. We showed our former selves with dominance and composure for the majority of the game, however our weaknesses were there for all to see. We gave away cheap possession twice, resulting in a red card and a needless goal. This cannot keep happening. It has been a frustrating watch all season. We have to be ruthless come the summer transfer window.

John: Not quite the perfect game for KDB's send-off, but it was certainly eventful. It would be lovely to secure third place after such a disrupted season.

Mart: Total City dominance. Things are looking exciting for next season with the young players coming through.

Gene: There was a hunger and a sense of urgency that has been missing often this season. There were also many poor first touches, which could have turned into scoring opportunities, but were swept away by the defence. Marmoush's goal was outstanding, as much as it was unexpected, leaving the goalkeeper aghast with what had just happened. Overall a very positive performance, albeit against a squad which was not at its best.

Derek: A professional performance with well taken goals. We are nearly in the Champions League again. One last word about King Kev, thank you very much for what you've done and I wish you all the luck in the future.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne speaking on the pitch on how he feels leaving the club: "Manchester is home, Manchester is where these little kids were born. I came here with my wife, Michelle, to stay for a long time, didn't expect to be here 10 years. To do what we've done as a club, supporters, teammates we've won everything. We made the city, the club bigger and now they're going to take over.

"I wanted to play with creativity, I wanted to play with passion. I wanted to enjoy football and I hope everyone enjoyed it. Everybody has pushed me so hard inside and outside the club to be the best version of myself and these guys, everybody we see on the screen and these guys in front of me have made me better than I was before. It's an honour to play with these guys. I've made so many friends for life. We'll be back for sure soon.

"This team tries to entertain people and win. This team works incredibly hard everybody behind the scenes and on the pitch. This team will win in the future, with or without me, and everybody in the city, the supporters, will be behind the team like they've done with me for the last 10 years. This team will have success that's for sure.

"You just want to do well and win and then when you win you want to win more. You want to push the city and we've had five/six parades and that's been incredible to witness everything that goes around in the city. All the moments with these teammates there's been too many to count. It's been a pleasure."

On there being a statue of him: "It means I will always be part of this club. I always represent a small piece of that and whenever I come back with these guys and with family and friends I will be able to see myself standing around the stadium. I will always be here."

Listen to De Bruyne's full speech on BBC Sounds

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports: "The most important thing was to win the game and we did it against an incredible opponent. They destroyed us in the Premier League in the first leg. The games are always good, we had chances, they had chances, it was open and the people enjoy."

On Kevin De Bruyne: "There's something that you cannot buy, if you're honest. He got all the love, especially the gratitude for the player he is and year after year what he's done."

Guardiola also threatened to quit if the club does not reduce the size of his squad this summer: "I said to the club I don't want that [a bigger squad]. I don't want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don't want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.

"It's impossible for my soul to [tell] my players in the tribune [stands] that they cannot play."

On needing a point for Champions League: "It's a pity that against Southampton we couldn't collect the points. Now it would be already done. On Sunday we have a tough opponent. We go there to win to take the point we need to be next season in the Champions League."

Did you know?

• Manchester City have won all eight of their Premier League home games against Bournemouth, with only Arsenal (10/10 v Stoke) having a better 100% home win rate against a side.

• Kevin De Bruyne created two chances for Man City, taking his overall total in the Premier League to 846. Since Opta have this metric on record (2003-04), no player has created more (Cesc Fàbregas also 846).

Manchester City will battle Liverpool for 21-year-old Bournemouth and Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez. (i paper - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies

There are two Premier League matches being played this evening, and you can follow every kick on BBC Sport.

• Crystal Palace v Wolves

• Man City v Bournemouth

Both kick-off times 20:00 BST

Follow all of the action and reaction here