Last updated on February 20, 2025
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Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City knocked out of the Champions League.
Image credit: Premier League
Manchester City’s Champions League journey ended in disappointment as Real Madrid sealed a 6-3 aggregate victory in the knockout round play-offs.
Now, manager Pep Guardiola has set a new challenge for his squad: proving they belong in the club’s future plans.
With 13 Premier League games left in the season, Guardiola wants his players to show they can be part of a refreshed squad as City navigates a period of transition.
The early European exit, coupled with inconsistent domestic form, has raised questions about the team’s direction and the need for a rebuild.
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A Squad in Transition
Several new faces, including Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico González, featured at the Bernabéu, while Vitor Reis was a January arrival.
🚨 Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland not starting: “He trained a little bit yesterday but spoke this morning and said he doesn't feel good… so we choose another one”. pic.twitter.com/QcHlG5aYkh
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2025
These changes come as City rethinks its long-term strategy. Club stalwart Kevin De Bruyne is out of contract in the summer, while Ilkay Gündogan has struggled for form since returning from Barcelona.
Guardiola may have to make difficult decisions regarding some of his most trusted players.
Guardiola acknowledged that City must accept their current reality and focus on securing Champions League qualification for next season.
Looking Ahead
Speaking after the match, Guardiola reflected on the defeat and the road ahead:
We have time to think about it. Losing 3-2 at home was hard to swallow, but even with a good result, I know how good they are. With time, the team and club will accept what it is, and we have 13 games in the Premier League to try and be here next season. Nothing is eternal.
Despite their recent dominance, City faces a challenging run-in as they fight to secure a top-four—or possibly top-five—finish to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Guardiola also hinted at a shift in the squad’s composition:
