Pep Guardiola reveals huge financial problems at Man City after talks with president

Pep Guardiola has admitted that failing to qualify for the Champions League could lead to financial problems for Manchester City at a very difficult time.

Despite this, Guardiola's biggest concern lies in the threat of City losing their grip on the regular Champions League places, a fate that has befallen giants like Manchester United and Liverpool in recent times.

As City prepare to face Everton at the Etihad today (Boxing Day), they do so on the back of a dismal run of just one win in 12 matches in all competitions – their worst run since the streak Kevin Keegan's 14-game winless run at the start. 2004.

Currently enjoying its 14th consecutive season in Europe's elite tournament – a record which even predates Guardiola's tenure and is the longest current streak in English football – the importance of Champions League qualification n It doesn't escape the City manager.

Guardiola has often joked that reaching the Champions League is his main goal every season, much to the delight of the club's owners.

Underlining the seriousness of the current situation, Guardiola said: “The financial problem is a problem, of course, but it's not just that. When I said it before, people laughed. It's presumptuous, we win the Premier League. They said, ah, qualification because the Champions League is not a great achievement.

“I know because it happens with clubs in this country. They dominated for many years and then they spent many, many years not qualifying for the Champions League.

“The only team that has been in the Champions League for 11 or 12 years is Man City. Now we are in danger, of course we are, definitely.”

City, currently seventh in the Premier League table, face stiff competition from newcomers Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest for a top-four spot.

Guardiola stressed the importance of winning matches to secure a place in the Champions League, saying: “You have to score points and win matches otherwise we won't qualify for the Champions League and if we don't qualify , it's because we don't deserve it.

“Because we weren’t prepared, because we had a lot of problems and we didn’t solve those problems or find a way to win games.”

Guardiola also acknowledged the many contenders vying for the top spots, warning that failure to win games could lead to City's demise.

Despite an ongoing injury crisis, with goalkeeper Ederson's participation against Everton in doubt, Guardiola revealed he has the full support of president Khaldoon Al Mubarak. He said: “Every week we talk. I feel incredibly supported. We may have behaved like we did in the first season, but it was completely different.

“We both know, when something goes wrong, we make decisions. I feel incredibly supported by him.”