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Man City slip into Champions League relegation zone after defeat to PSG

Manchester City is currently in the champions league relegation zone and face a do-or-die must-win tie against Club Bruges next week to squeeze into the playoffs after capitulating in Paris on Wednesday night.

The 2023 champion blew a two-goal lead in a chastening 4-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain – leaving the 2023 European champions staring at a humiliating elimination.

Lying 25th in the 36-team table, anything but victory over the Belgians would see City dumped out before the knockout stages after another night of pain and anguish on the continent.

Guardiola admitted that his team were not physically capable of matching Luis Enrique’s PSG after finding themselves overwhelmed in a hostile atmosphere. And the manager claimed they are not able to go toe-to-toe with the top sides.

‘We suffered and they were better – better intensity to win duels,’ Guardiola said. ‘In the big stages, the big teams, we struggle. We have to accept it.

‘We have a last chance against Bruges. If we don’t do it then it’s because we don’t deserve it.’

City have failed to win nine matches in which they have led so far this season – the most of any Premier League side. Leads have been squandered in three of the last four European fixtures.

Guardiola believes the regular defensive problems are a result of a lack of control in midfield, with City jittery once PSG scored their first goal. They remain keen on adding a new midfielder before the transfer window closes.

‘We have to defend with the ball or it’s impossible to play well,’ he added. ‘Keep the ball, the extra pass. The connection with Bernardo (Silva) and (Mateo) Kovacic was not possible or not good and we could not make the process. I tried different things but we couldn’t keep the ball.’

Guardiola revealed that Ruben Dias asked to be brought off at half time with yet another injury complaint and City face an anxious wait to see the extent of that before meeting Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Emmanuel Adeoye

Emmanuel Adeoye is the News Correspondent of Spark News Daily - Nigeria's most sought-after online news platform in Politics, Sport, Entertainment and Religion. Emmanuel Adeoye is a researcher, writer and author. 07031675059

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