Pep Guardiola admitted he could feel the anxiety in the Etihad Stadium – but remains confident Manchester City will qualify for the Champions League.
The champions missed the chance to return to the Premier League top four on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by fellow European challengers Brighton after twice surrendering the lead.
The result left them fifth in the table and gives fourth-placed Chelsea an opportunity to pull further away, and for others below them to make up ground.
After four consecutive titles, it is an unfamiliar position for City and their fans and Guardiola could sense a nervousness in the crowd.
“Yes definitely,” said the City manager. “Everybody feels the pressure.
“But it is what it is. We have to play better and after they will be back.
“In the good moments they are there but, of course, they feel it when it is not good.”
Guardiola remains optimistic that City, who have nine games remaining, will win their fight to qualify.
He said: “I’m always confident – in that I am a master. I do have moments (when) I can doubt but I find the right way, the positiveness in everything.
“I know it will be difficult for many reasons but we have nine games, nine finals.”
Guardiola had no complaints about the result after Erling Haaland’s penalty and an Omar Marmoush strike were cancelled out by Pervis Estupinan’s free-kick and Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal.
He said: “The performance was much, much, much better than the Nottingham Forest (defeat).
“We made good moments but they have fantastic players and they controlled us really well.”
Guardiola’s one moment of serious frustration was a second-half booking for Jeremy Doku for diving when the City winger had been jumping out of the way of a Jan Paul van Hecke challenge.
“If he doesn’t jump, he can break his leg,” said Guardiola, who also confirmed goalkeeper Ederson missed the game with an abdominal injury.
“Jeremy is not a diving player. They should know it but we didn’t win or lose for those decisions.”
Nico Gonzalez hit the post late on for City but Carlos Baleba could have won it for Brighton when he fired over in the closing moments.
Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler, whose side remain a point behind City, did not dwell on that miss.
Hurzeler said: “The ball wasn’t in so I didn’t think about that. It was one of two or three really big chances in the second half when we could go for the winner.
“But we don’t complain. It is about reflecting and analysing the small margins we have to improve. Then we have to do it next time.
“We showed an impressive performance and showed we can compete with any team in the league.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. It's the Year of the Bird Shortcut this way bro Conte's demands to stay at Napoli:• Spend at least €200M• Sign 8–9 players• Raise salaries from €80M to €110M• Guarantees on a new training facility Silverware incoming for Real Betis Tag a Manchester United Fan & Say Nothing.. Sad but true.. Please stay t...
The end of an era has arrived. Luka Modric, one of the best footballers in the history of Real Madrid and world football, will say goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu after the match against Real Sociedad.The Croatian midfielder will not have his contract renewed by the club, bringing to an end an unforgettable career that began in 2012 and will forever be etched in the memory of Madrid fans. The Clu...
Ruben Amorim is not at risk of being sacked by Manchester United despite the Europa League final loss to Tottenham on Wednesday.Amorim's appointment at United has always, and continues, to be seen as a longer-term project and the club's commitment to the Portuguese head coach is not contingent on one game.Sources say he continues to have the full support of the club.Speaking immediately after the ...
Al Hilal are interested in signing Bruno Fernandes, but plans to sign him are not advanced at present.However, that could change because Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are playing in the Club World Cup next month and can sign players during a special early transfer window between June 1 and June 10.Fernandes is a key player at United. Head coach Ruben Amorim has called his captain one of the best ...
Man City star McAtee in demand as Wolves eye £25m swoopWolves are reportedly eyeing a £25m swoop for Manchester City's James McAtee but face intense competition from Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.Leeds eye Raul to replace Farke!Real Madrid legend Raul has reportedly been approached by Premier League-bound Leeds despite Daniel Farke leading the club to promotion.Trossard to stay ...
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim and striker Rasmus Højlund: two people with uncertain futures next season. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)BILBAO, Spain -- Tottenham Hotspur have won their first trophy since 2008 after beating Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final on a tight and tense night in Bilbao.The game was decided by a scruffy goal from Brenn...
Will Manchester United sign Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer? (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)Manchester United are in the running to sign Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Al Hilal are in talks with Victor Osimhen. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.TRENDING RUMORS- Manchester United are in the runn...
The 2025 MLS season is now firmly underway, which means it's time for ESPN's Power Rankings.Who's climbing the table? Who's in free fall? Our writers studied the action from across Matchday 14 to come up with this week's order of all 30 teams in the league. Let's dive in.1. Vancouver WhitecapsPrevious ranking: 1The Caps made the trip to Texas and came back with a point after a 0-0 draw with Austin...
Man United transfer kitty revealed after Europa League heartbreakMan United manager Ruben Amorim will reportedly have a transfer war chest of 3100 million as he seeks to build the squad in his image this summer.Amorim has undoubtedly struggled since taking over from Erik ten Hag last November as Man United are set to complete their worst season in recent memory.A dismal domestic season was capped ...
Tottenham stars 'don't expect' Ange Postecoglou to stay despite Europa League gloryTottenham players are still expecting manager Ange Postecoglou to be sacked despite their 1-0 Europa League final win over Man United on Wednesday.Postecoglou, 59, ended Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought with a memorable win over fellow Premier League strugglers Man United.Despite impressing on the continent, his s...
- 1 We will see – no Unai Emery assurances over future of tearful Emiliano Martinez
- 2 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 3 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 4 Chelsea beat Manchester United in FA Cup final to seal domestic treble
- 5 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 6 Liverpool cleared to complete signing
- 7 Marc Guehi to land transfer to Real or Barca
- 8 Real Madrid agree deal for Dean Huijsen
- 9 Dele Alli’s girlfriend Cindy sets pulses racing in barely
- 10 3 EPL giants have advantage in Osimhen race