Pep Guardiola has come to the defense of Manchester City's disappointing trophyless season, emphasizing that they remain one of only three English teams to have secured silverware this term. City claimed the Community Shield earlier in the season, defeating Manchester United on penalties, but have since struggled in other competitions.

Despite relinquishing their grip on the Premier League title and facing early exits from both the Champions League and FA Cup, Guardiola pointed out that only Newcastle United—who won the Carabao Cup—also managed to win a trophy in addition to Liverpool, who captured the Premier League title. He noted that many clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, are vying for trophies but have not succeeded in doing so.

City's season took another blow with a recent defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, marking the first time in eight years that the club will end a campaign without a major trophy. Guardiola stated the importance of qualifying for the Champions League, reinforcing that City needs just four points from their remaining matches to secure a spot in the elite European competition for next season.

As City currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, the competition for Champions League qualification intensifies, with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest closely contesting the positions above them. Guardiola's focus now shifts to the final games of the season, where City must perform to ensure they can continue to compete at the highest level next year.