Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear that his team “must win” as they head into a crucial Champions League group stage finale against Club Brugge on Wednesday. With their European campaign hanging in the balance, City need a victory to secure their place in the knockout stages, or risk an embarrassing early elimination from the tournament.
City, who have consistently progressed beyond the group stage since Guardiola’s arrival in 2016, find themselves in unfamiliar territory this season, sitting 25th in the newly structured Champions League standings—outside even the playoff qualification spots. Their struggles have put their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 at serious risk, and Guardiola knows the financial implications of missing out on the knockout rounds.
Manchester City’s Champions League Struggles: A New Challenge
Under the Champions League’s new format, the top eight teams in the 36-club league phase advance directly to the last 16. The ninth to 24th-placed teams must contest a playoff round to secure a place in the knockouts. Manchester City currently sit 25th, meaning they must win to avoid crashing out completely.
City’s current position is a stark contrast to their usual dominance in the competition. They have reached at least the quarter-finals in every season under Guardiola and lifted their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2023. However, a poor run of form, including defeats to Sporting Lisbon and Juventus, has left them on the brink of elimination.
Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola acknowledged the gravity of the situation:
“We have to win the game. If we don’t, then we won’t continue in the competition. We want to go through, to have another chance to play another two games and qualify for the next stage.”
When asked about the potential embarrassment of City missing out on the knockout stage, Guardiola was firm:
“I appreciate your concern about not qualifying, but I think we are going to do it… Ask me after the game if it is embarrassing if City fail to qualify.”
Financial and Transfer Market Implications
Beyond the sporting consequences, Guardiola is well aware of the financial hit City could suffer if they fail to progress in the Champions League. The club’s revenue and transfer budget are closely linked to European success, and a premature exit could affect their ability to spend in future windows.
“I’m not naive enough to not know how important it is financially for the club to go through in this competition. It can affect the club, but of course, we want to try to make it happen for sporting reasons too.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their European fate, City have already spent over £120 million in the January transfer window, bringing in:
- Omar Marmoush (Forward)
- Vitor Reis (Defender)
- Abdukodir Khusanov (Defender)
Guardiola emphasized that City’s spending has been strategic, aligning with the club’s financial planning:
“In the last five or six years, the net spend at this club has been amazing. The club said, ‘OK, the situation is what it is. If we want to spend, we can spend. If not, we don’t spend.'”
However, failing to qualify for the next stage could impact their ability to attract top players in future windows, making this game even more crucial.
Club Brugge: A Tough Opponent in Top Form
While Manchester City dominated Club Brugge in their previous encounters—winning 5-1 and 4-1 in the 2021/22 campaign—Guardiola warned against underestimating the Belgian side, who have not lost a match since late October.
Currently sitting 20th in the standings, three points ahead of City, Brugge are in a strong position and could secure their own knockout stage berth with a positive result.
Guardiola acknowledged their form and resilience:
“We would like to score lots of goals in the first 20 minutes, but I don’t think that will happen. I expect a tough game. When a team is unbeaten, it’s because they are good, there’s no secret there. They have done really well.”
With Brugge’s unbeaten streak on the line, and City’s Champions League survival at stake, Guardiola described the fixture as a final for both teams—but especially for City:
“It’s a final for both of us, especially for us.”
Manchester City’s Tactical Approach and Key Players
With the stakes so high, Guardiola will likely field his strongest lineup, though he may be forced to adjust tactically due to injuries and fitness concerns.
Key absences for City include:
- Rodri (season-ending knee injury)
- Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and John Stones (fitness concerns)
City’s hopes will rest heavily on Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden, who must deliver in attack to break down a well-organized Brugge side.

The midfield battle will also be critical, as City will have to control possession and dictate the tempo against a counter-attacking Brugge side.
Guardiola will likely adopt an aggressive approach, pressing high up the pitch while ensuring defensive solidity to avoid leaving spaces for Brugge’s quick counter-attacks.
What’s at Stake?
The consequences of failure for Manchester City in this match are severe:
- Elimination from the Champions League
- Significant financial losses
- Potential long-term impact on their transfer strategy
- Increased pressure on Guardiola and the squad
On the other hand, a victory would:
- Secure their place in the knockout phase playoff round
- Keep their European hopes alive
- Restore confidence in Guardiola’s squad
With so much riding on the result, all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. Will Manchester City rise to the occasion, or will Club Brugge deliver a historic upset?
One thing is certain—for Guardiola and City, this is a must-win game.
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