Manchester City blew a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain and manager Pep Guardiola understood his side “could not cope” in their UEFA Champions League contest, which left their hopes of qualification to the next stage on the brink.
City took control of the contest thanks to goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland early in the second half.
However, Ousmane Dembele began the revival for the Paris club and Bradley Barcola levelled matters at the hourmark — goals from Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos then wrapped up the points at Parc des Princes.
“They were better. We have to accept it, We have the last chance at home against Bruges. We will do everything there and if we don’t it is because we don’t deserve it,” Guardiola spoke to reporters after the match.
“They were better, we have to accept it. It’s sport and it is like that.”
With the result, PSG moved above City in the standings, leaving Guardiola’s side 25th out of 36 teams with just eight points from seven games.
Only the top 24 book their place in the knockout phase, but City play host to Club Brugge in their final league phase fixture next Wednesday and a win in that match should be enough for the 2023 European kings to progress to the play-off round.
Although, before that City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad in the Premier League on Saturday in a key game in the fight for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
“I knew it would be tough. PSG is an exceptional team. We could not cope,” Guardiola continued.
“I would like to say differently but when one team plays better you have to accept it.
“Now we have to prepare for a tough game against Chelsea and of course the final against Bruges. Try to move forward. I know the players gave everything.”
Questions remain to be answered if Ruben Dias will feature in either of those games after the Portuguese defender was subbed off at half-time.
“He asked to be replaced because he didn’t feel good,” the Spaniard said of Dias, who only just returned from a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
