FERNANDINHO admits Manchester City are in serious danger of blowing a Champions League spot.
The midfielder’s warning comes as Etihad chief Ferran Soriano insists manager Pep Guardiola is going nowhere. Friday’s defeat at Wolves left City 14 POINTS behind Prem leaders Liverpool.
Fernandinho has admitted that City face a battle to qualify for the Champions League this seasonCredit: Reuters
And asked if they could finish outside the top four, Fernandinho said: “Yes, of course. We have to be honest with ourselves — we are playing another competition now.
“We fight for the Champions League next year.”
City have lost five Prem games already this season — one short of their entire last TWO title- winning campaigns — and Guardiola has conceded the crown.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Sheffield United, Fernandinho added: “We have to be realistic.
“If we play more games like Wolves, we are going to lose more games and be in a bad position.
“We have to improve, we have to play better, to concede less chances to the opponents.
“We have to do more and try to win our games and at least secure second place.
“It’s hard, especially after Wolves, but if you start to complain, it becomes harder.
City chief Soriano has insisted that Guardiola remains committed to CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
“The most important thing is to try to be ready in the head, be focused and be strong mentally.
“Because, in the end, the mind controls the body.
“It’s going to be a test for us to see how we react. I hope everyone can be ready for Sheffield United. We have to win.”
Despite the alarming slump in form, chief executive Soriano says Guardiola remains committed to the club for at least the next 18 months.
Soriano declared: “He’s said so many times that he has a contract that covers this year plus next year, too.
“So there’s no discussion about this. Pep will stay and he’ll leave at the right time one day.
“And the club is strong enough to survive any change. But as Pep said many times, he’s not leaving.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
