Pep Guardiola stated the obvious at the King Power Stadium despite seeing Manchester City get a long-awaited victory to round off 2024. “We accept there’s already no chance of [winning the Premier League ] but we have other things to fight for: FA Cup , top four..
. and winning games helps.” City sit sixth going into the New Year, 14 points behind Liverpool who have a game in hand and look ominous.
Having made history with four titles in a row this year, a nose-dive in form to conclude 2024 has ended any chances of a record-extending fifth title, and they are also in danger of exiting the Champions League before the knockout stages. January will be a huge month, not just for turning around form domestically but for securing a place in the Champions League play-offs to earn a last-16 place. They must also prioritise getting a top four finish for next season which has been complicated by good form from Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
But this season is still completely salvageable. City don't need a title to end the campaign in historic fashion. As Guardiola says, he can potentially put more focus into the FA Cup this season, especially if the main aim now is just a top four finish (and top five may even be enough for the Champions League this year).
More pressing, getting the required points for a Champions League play-off place in fixtures at PSG and against Brugge is a January priority. When previously Guardiola had to navigate key European ga.