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Pep Guardiola issued a warning that “the old Manchester City” won’t be back until next season at the earliest, raising fears that they may miss out on Champions League football.

City looked pretty close to their best in Wednesday's 1-0 win away to Tottenham, however, with Erling Haaland’s first-half effort the difference.

They created countless chances in the opening 45 minutes and although up against a rotated Spurs side, City remained solid defensively and claimed just their second away clean sheet of 2025 in all competitions.

There was a calmness and a degree of aura about Guardiola’s outfit that hasn’t been the case since Rodri tore his ACL.

A few January additions have shaken up the squad and on those 90 minutes, looked assured of a Champions League place.

Guardiola was quick to temper expectations, however.

He shook his head when asked if the first-half performance was reminiscent of the dominant City side he has presided over for several years.

"Never will be this season, the old City,” Guardiola exclaimed.

But we'll be back.”

With 11 games left of the Premier League season, the City boss faces a tough test to ensure their place in the Champions League next season, even if five English teams are likely to feature.

They currently sit in fourth place with 47 points, one ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea and two ahead of Newcastle in sixth.

Though just two points separates Eddie Howe’s side from Aston Villa in 10th, with a hoard of ambitious clubs hoping to take advantage of City’s dip in form this campaign.

But Guardiola was quick to point out that the future is bright after nearly £200million was spent in January to refresh the squad.

"We have a young, young team,” he added.

Josko [Gvardiol] is young so yeah, there are certain areas.

“But, listen, Bernardo [Silva], [Ilkay] Gundogan, Kevin [De Bruyne] the other ones, they are really important for us, but of course it is a question of time.

"We have seen this season, the young players and the new acquisitions maybe the club will do in summertime, in the next transfer window, have to lead this club for the next few years."

But there will be no misunderstanding that despite Guardiola's optimism about City’s future, the present team needs to secure a spot in next season’s top European competition.

Failure to do so could prevent them from recruiting as necessary in the summer and undoubtedly leave several current stars considering their future at the club.


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