Pep Guardiola defended the Trophy Manchester City campaign by pointing out that they could be one of the English teams who played in the Champions League after winning silverware.
City has passed a disappointing campaign after he had won none of the four major trophies for the first time since the first Guardiola campaign in 2016-17.
They are currently 18 points behind Liverpool, who have already completed the Premier League title, in the competition after winning the previous four seasons, and were beaten early from the Champions League and EFL Cup.
City was also astonished in the FA Cup final on Saturday when Crystal Palace defeated them 1-0 to claim their very first big trophy.
They have now lost the FA Cup final two years in a row (also to Manchester United in 2024). It is the seventh time that they have finished second in the competition, with only the Red Devils (nine), Chelsea and Everton (both eight) do this more.
The side of Guardiola, however, won the Shield Community in August and defeated United 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
City has to be eligible for the top competition of Europe next season, but Guardiola noted that they could be one of those who have lifted a trophy this season if they do.
“Of course it is important to qualify, but apart from Newcastle, who won the Carabao Cup, Liverpool won the Premier League and Manchester City who won the Community Shield – the other teams have won no trophies,” said Guardiola.
“So the other teams, such as Chelsea, who can win one title [Europa Conference League] against real betis, and [Manchester] United and Tottenham can win the Europa League.
“All other teams, of course they expect them to qualify for the Champions League, but this is important for every club that will play this next year.
“We really played a good one [FA Cup] Final, not enough to win, and we have the last two games, we need four points to be in the Champions League next year, and this is enough, and everyone must be aware of that. “
Liverpool and Arsenal have already dressed their Champions League qualification, with five teams that still insist to end in the other three places.
City fell to the sixth after the results at the weekend, but a victory over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday she would bring third, a point above Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa with one more game to play.
The OPTA Supercomputer gives City a chance of 85.7% to finish in the top five this season, with their most likely finish position third at 57.7%.