City must be optimistic about finishing season well: Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday he was pleased with the way the reigning Premier League champions had adapted without key players and stressed his side will have to be optimistic about chasing Champions League qualification.

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday he was pleased with the way the reigning Premier League champions had adapted without key players and stressed his side will have to be optimistic about chasing Champions League qualification.

City's campaign has been hindered by a rash of injuries, with Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, twice Premier League Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland as well as defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake among those sidelined.

City are sixth in the table with 52 points, trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by one point with seven rounds of matches left.

But Guardiola's side received a massive boost after the Premier League was guaranteed at least five teams in the 2025-26 Champions League after Arsenal's 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

"(Injuries) happened all season, we adapt," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday's home game against Ilth-placed Crystal Palace.

"You can see it as a problem or a challenge, the position is a disaster or it could be worse.

"I'm happy with the way we handled the situation and where we are.