Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that failing to qualify for the Champions League would create financial challenges for Manchester City as the club endure their worst run of form in 21 years.
Man City, who are currently struggling with just one win in their last 12 league and cup games, face Everton at the Etihad on Boxing Day.
This dismal spell is their worst since a 14-game winless run under Kevin Keegan in early 2004.
The reigning champions are sitting seventh in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, and at risk of missing out on Europe’s elite competition for the first time in over a decade.
Man City’s current streak of 14 consecutive Champions League qualifications is the best in English football history, predating even Guardiola’s arrival.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Everton, Guardiola said: “Financial is an issue, of course it is, but it’s not just that.
“When I said before, people laughed. It’s presumptuous, us winning the Premier League.
“They said, ah qualifying for the Champions League is not a big success. I know it is, because it happens with clubs in this country.
“They were dominant for many years and, after, they were many, many years not qualifying for the Champions League.
“The one team that has been in the Champions League for the past 11 or 12 years has been Man City. Now we’re at risk, of course we are, definitely.”
Guardiola aded: “You have to get points and win games otherwise we won’t qualify for the Champions League and if we don’t qualify it is because we don’t deserve it.
“Because we were not prepared, because we had a lot of problems and didn’t solve those problems and find a way to win games.
“There are of lot of contenders to be there. For every club it is so important and if we are not winning games, we will be out.”
Read more: Liverpool star Mohamed Salah faces backlash after posting family photo by Christmas Tree
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot opens up on having Christmas without his family
Manchester City’s players set to sleep at Etihad Campus training facilities on Christmas night
