We Must Finish Well: Pep

Boss happy with City's reaction to injuries; optimistic of European berth

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MANCHESTER - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was pleased with the way the reigning English Premier League champions have 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 Aké among those sidelined.

City are sixth in the table with 52 points, trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by one point with seven matches left. Just six points separate Nottingham Forest in third from Aston Villa in seventh.

However, 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 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 8.

"(Injuries) happened all season, we adapt. You can see it as a problem or a challenge, the position is a disaster or it could be worse," Guardiola told reporters on the eve of their April 12 game against 11th-placed Crystal Palace at home.