Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola 'under pressure' to qualify for Champions League, say Premier League Daily panel

Pep Guardiola will be "under pressure" for the first time in his managerial career if he fails to secure a Champions League place, according to Premier League Daily pundits Alan Smith and Paul Walsh.

Manchester City crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday and now Guardiola, who is one of the most successful managers in Europe with 20 trophies in the last 10 years, could end the season without any silverware for the first time in his coaching career.

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The Spaniard's focus will return to the Premier League this week where City are currently fourth in the table just one point ahead of their neighbours, and next opponents, Manchester United.

"Ultimately Manchester City have to finish in the top four now" said Walsh. "If Manchester United were to beat them that would be a disaster. I sometimes think he underestimated the depth of the Premier League and how difficult all the games are."

Expectations at the Etihad Stadium are high these days with City finishing in the top four in every season since 2009/10.

Smith, who won the title twice with Arsenal, says he has been "disappointed" with Guardiola's first season in England and thinks the pressure is getting to him.

"I was expecting a bit more. I think we all were thinking Guardiola would hit the ground running but off the pitch he's been tetchy and bad tempered when I don't think there's been any need."

"If he doesn't get off to a good start next season he is going to be under pressure as mad as that sounds."

Four of City's remaining fixtures are at home where they have only lost once this season but they face a Manchester United side on Thursday night who haven't lost in the League since October.