Skip to content

Pep Guardiola says Man City's home fixtures will determine finish

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he was pleased with the point against Middlesbrough and acknowledged the strength of the opponents

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says his side's quest for Champions League qualification will be determined by their remaining home games, after they came from behind twice to draw 2-2 away at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Former City striker Alvaro Negredo put the hosts ahead in the 38th minute before Sergio Aguero levelled from the penalty spot after half-time.

Live Premier League

Boro regained the lead in the 77th minute when Calum Chambers finished from close range, but Gabriel Jesus snatched a point for City when he headed in with five minutes remaining.

City, who occupy fourth spot in the table just a point ahead of Manchester rivals United, will play three of their remaining four league games in front of a home crowd as they look to cement a Champions League place.

"Our qualification depends in our home at the Etihad with the three games that we have," Guardiola said.

"We have tough games. Everybody has tough games so it's game by game."

Guardiola added he was pleased with the point against an impressive Boro side and admitted the strength of the opponents challenged his team.

Also See:

Alvaro Negredo (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Middlesbrough and Manchester City
Image: Alvaro Negredo netted the opening goal

"In the first half, we had problems to control the counter-attacks. We were not good enough in the positions to control - there were too many people in front and no people inside but the second half was much better," he said.

"It's a point so we didn't lose. It's still there, so we'll see.

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - APRIL 30:  Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier Leagu
Image: Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring his side's first goal

The Spaniard voiced frustrations at City's first-half display at the Riverside Stadium, but remains confident his men can deliver the performances required of them if they are to seal a top-four finish.

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - APRIL 30:  Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City and Marten de Roon of Middlesbrough confront each other during the Premier League matc
Image: Man City's Gabriel Jesus and Boro's Marten de Roon confront each other

"In the first half we had we had problems to control the counter-attacks. We were not good enough in the positions to control - there were too many people in front and no people inside but the second half was much better," he added.

"It's a point so we didn't lose. It's still there, so we'll see.

"I think the character of the team is not doubted - always they've had that. They've shown that all season."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Middlesbrough 2-2 Man City

City needed a spark after the break and Guardiola admitted City improved significantly with the introduction of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling early in the second half.

He said: "The second half was much, much better. They defended with six or seven players in the box so you have to put people in front."

Around Sky