April 23, 2025 – Manchester, England
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola did not mince words after his side’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. Despite Matheus Nunes’ dramatic 94th-minute winner keeping City’s Champions League hopes alive, Guardiola made it clear: the 2024-25 season has fallen short.
Guardiola Admits Manchester City’s Standards Have Dropped
Speaking after the match, Guardiola emphasized that no late surge or cup triumph could change the narrative.
Pep Guardiola:
“This season has been bad. It doesn’t matter whether we reach the FA Cup final or qualify for the Champions League. What matters is the Premier League consistency.”
Even after celebrating Nunes’ late goal with rare emotion, Guardiola reminded everyone that finishing strong cannot erase the broader disappointment.
“If we win the next four games, it will have been so important,” he said. “But consistency is what defines great seasons.”
Manchester City’s Current Situation
City sit third in the Premier League with 61 points.
They trail runaway leaders Liverpool by 18 points and have four matches left to secure a top-four finish and a Champions League berth.
Despite struggles, City’s FA Cup journey remains alive, with a semifinal showdown against Nottingham Forest approaching.
Top Seven Battle for Europe:
| Position | Club | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 79 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 73 |
| 3 | Manchester City | 61 |
| 4 | Nottingham Forest | 60 |
| 5 | Newcastle United | 59 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 58 |
| 7 | Aston Villa | 57 |
Note: City and Villa have played one more match than Forest, Newcastle, and Chelsea.
Winning all remaining fixtures would secure City’s place in next season’s Champions League for a 15th consecutive year.
Why Guardiola Sees 2024-25 as a Failure
Guardiola’s frustration is rooted in standards that City have set under his reign.
This season saw the Premier League title defense collapse before Christmas, followed by an early Champions League exit at the playoff stage.
Injuries to key players — Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Erling Haaland — and inconsistent form from Phil Foden further derailed City’s momentum.
With Hugo Viana set to take over from Txiki Begiristain as director of football, a major transition is already underway.
Even if City lift the FA Cup, Guardiola has made it clear: returning to domestic dominance is the only acceptable standard.
