GUARD OF HONOUR

Pep insists securing Champions League spot would be 'incredible success' after troubled campaign

- DAVID MCDONNELL

PEP GUARDIOLA says qualifying for the Champions League will be one of his most satisfying feats at Manchester City - because of the problems they have faced this season.

City have played for most of the season without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri (inset left) and have endured a series of injuries to key players, with goal machine Erling Haaland the latest to be sidelined.

Against that backdrop, Guardiola said people have been proved wrong for taking for granted the fact City qualify for the Champions League every season.

Jose Mourinho claimed finishing second to City in 2018 when he was at Manchester United was one of his greatest managerial achievements.

Guardiola may have won the Double and Treble at City, but the 54-year-old said qualifying for the Champions League - the 15th year in a row for the Blues would be another major milestone for him.