Man City in Danger of Missing Champions League, Says Guardiola

Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Manchester City - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - December 21, 2024, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks dejected after the match. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Manchester City - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - December 21, 2024, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks dejected after the match. (Reuters)
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Man City in Danger of Missing Champions League, Says Guardiola

Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Manchester City - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - December 21, 2024, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks dejected after the match. (Reuters)
Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Manchester City - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - December 21, 2024, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks dejected after the match. (Reuters)

Manchester City are at risk of missing out on next season's Champions League due to their recent dip in form, manager Pep Guardiola said.

City, who are looking to qualify for Europe's top club competition for a 15th straight season, have won just one of their last eight Premier League games and are seventh, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Guardiola's side are four points behind Nottingham Forest, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification berth.

"When I said before, people laughed. They said, 'qualifying for the Champions League is not a big success'. But I know it because it happens with clubs in this country," Guardiola told reporters ahead of their home match against Everton.

"They were dominant for many years and after there were many years not qualifying for the Champions League. The one team that has been in the Champions League for the past years has been Manchester City. Now we are at risk, of course we are."

After hosting Everton later on Thursday City travel to face Leicester City on Dec. 29.



Ronaldo Slams 'Unfair' Ballon D'Or Result After Vinicius Snub

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)
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Ronaldo Slams 'Unfair' Ballon D'Or Result After Vinicius Snub

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo (file photo/AFP)

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday it was "unfair" that Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior missed out on this year's award.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri took the prestigious prize in October with favourite Vinicius in second place

Rodri helped City to a fourth straight Premier League title and Spain to Euro 2024 while attacker Vinicius guided Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League, AFP reported.

This year's ceremony in Paris was clouded by controversy after Vinicius' Madrid boycotted the event.

"In my opinion he deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody," former Madrid attacker Ronaldo said at the ceremony of the Global Soccer Awards.

"They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won a Champions League," the Portugal captain added.

Only Argentina superstar Lionel Messi with his six successes has won the Ballon d'Or more than Ronaldo.

The winner of the Ballon d'Or is chosen from the shortlist by an international jury of 100 specialist journalists.