Guardiola talks about the final goal of the season: to qualify for the Champions League and bid farewell to De Bruyne

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said on Monday that he absolutely believes the team can lock in the top five in the Premier League to qualify for the Champions League next season. Although Liverpool has won the championship ahead of schedule and Arsenal also secured the top five seats last Sunday, the competition for the remaining three Champions League places is still full of suspense.

Currently in the standings, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa have 66 points (37 rounds) in the same ranking third to fifth place, while Manchester City is temporarily ranked sixth with 65 points, and one game less. The Blue Moon Legion's last missed the Champions League dates back to the 2009-10 season.

"If we miss the Champions League in the end, it will only prove that we are not qualified, then play in the Europa League. This is the rule of competitive sports," Guardiola admitted at the pre-match press conference against No. 11 Bournemouth on Tuesday, "But I firmly believe that the team will advance. My thinking is clear - to achieve the standard with another 4 points, this is the top priority at the moment. I have no doubt about this. "

The team is committed to getting out of the shadow of the 0-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday's FA Cup final. "We played a good game, but the result was not satisfactory. Now there are two league games left, and 4 points are needed to ensure a seat in the Champions League. This is the reality, and the whole team must remain sober," the Spanish coach emphasized.

This game is not only Manchester City's last home game of the season, but also the home farewell game of Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The 33-year-old who played for ten years has been confirmed to leave the team at the end of the season.

"The whole team is eager to use victory to lock in the Champions League qualification - this is also Kevin's wish, and there will be no second possibility," Guardiola said when talking about the love general, "I will arrange troops according to tactical needs, but it is certain that Kevin will receive the due tribute - this is the most perfect way to say goodbye to the legendary career. "