Josko Gvardiol confident Manchester City will avoid Champions League exit - ‘In difficult times we show our strength’

React to this story

A defiant Josko Gvardiol talks to TNT Sports about the fallout from Manchester City's UEFA Champions League loss to PSG and previews the must-win Club Brugge clash. Pep Guardiola’s side go into their final league phase match needing to pick up all three points after a dismal campaign to this point, but Gvardiol said that it is during times of adversity that City show their true colours.

Gvardiol explains reason for Man City’s CL woes – ‘We were more focused on the Premier League’

Video credit: TNT Sports

Josko Gvardiol insists Manchester City’s confidence is building ahead of their crunch UEFA Champions League game at home to Club Brugge, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Guardiola’s side, who lifted the trophy in 2023, stand on the brink of elimination having amassed just eight points in seven matches in the league phase.

They sit 25th, one place outside the play-off spots, and are in need of a win to avoid a shock exit.

Premier League

Rodri sidelined for 'short period' after undergoing back surgery

28/07/2026 at 14:59

City let a 2-0 lead slip away to Paris Saint-Germain last time out in the Champions League, collapsing to a dramatic 4-2 defeat in the French capital.

It was a game that typified what has been a turbulent season for the reigning Premier League champions.

However, Gvardiol backed the team to rise to the challenge in front of them, like they have done so many times previously, and prove they are still a force to be reckoned with on the biggest stage of all.

Reflecting on the PSG defeat, Gvardiol told TNT Sports: "I think in that game they were just better than we were. You could see they wanted to win the game more than we wanted to win probably.

"I would say it was probably some sort of fatigue in our head. Also, we knew we still had one game at home and if we win we’re going to qualify.

"The performance wasn’t that bad, we were leading 2-0, but this season in many games we have showed in difficult times we show our strength."

'It has been quite difficult for everyone,' says Guardiola ahead of UCL must win game

Video credit: SNTV

City did bounce back from last week’s disappointment in Paris with an impressive comeback win at home to Chelsea, which was sparked by Gvardiol's equaliser in the 42nd minute.

The Blues took the lead in the third minute and had chances to double their advantage, but City weathered the storm and sealed an impressive 3-1 victory after a sterling second-half display.

While still some way off their devastating best, it was the latest sign they are trending in the right direction.

Now undefeated in their last six domestic league fixtures, City find themselves back in the Premier League’s top four, and Gvardiol says there is a good feeling at the club.

"I think we are good, especially after the last game against Chelsea," he added. "We all know how good Chelsea have been this season.

"To be fair I didn’t expect us to be that good, especially after the Paris game because obviously everyone was a bit down, but we showed once again that we are City. We are ready for the big games and I think our confidence is where it needs to be."

UCL Moments: Man City thrash Club Brugge in 2021 - can they do it again in 2025?

Video credit: TNT Sports

‘We need to win’

While the pre- and post-match headlines will be generated by the English club, no matter the outcome, Brugge will arrive in Manchester eager to spoil the party.

The Belgian side sit five places and three points above City in the table following wins over SK Sturm Graz, Aston Villa and Sporting, as well as draws with Celtic and Juventus.

A point would guarantee their spot in the play-offs, so they will be gunning to secure a famous result. But the Etihad is a tough place to go for any team in the world, especially against a fully focused City outfit who will be treating the game like a final.

"We need to win," Gvardiol continued. "The good thing is that we play at home. At the moment it is a final game for us in the Champions League and I think we’re going to give everything tomorrow on the pitch to achieve that and qualify for the knockout stage.

"The thing is that we didn’t think earlier about getting more points in the Champions League, we were more focused on the Premier League and the cups, so now we are in the current situation.

"We need to find a way out and I think we are going to manage that."

- - -

Stream the final league-phase UEFA Champions League matchday on discovery+

Transfers