DOWN AND OUT... FOR REVENGE

PEP GUARDIOLA says this season has been a brutal reality check for Manchester City but one from which they will come back stronger.

- DAVID MCDONNELL

PEP GUARDIOLA says this season has been a brutal reality check for Manchester City but one from which they will come back stronger.

City, Premier League champions for the last four seasons, are fifth in the table and in danger of missing out on the Champions League for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign.

Guardiola also failed to reach the Champions League last 16 for the first time as a manager, with the FA Cup and a top-four place the only targets left for the soon-to-be-deposed champions.

Against that backdrop, City and England midfielder Phil Foden (right, above) admitted this season’s difficulties had made him appreciate his success at City that much more and not to take it for granted.