We have to - Pep Guardiola declares war on Osimen and Galatasaray

Pep Guardiola has called on his Manchester City side to block out the complex Champions League qualification scenarios and focus solely on securing victory against Galatasaray in their final group-stage match at the Etihad Stadium.

City head into the decisive fixture sitting 11th in the overall standings, just outside the automatic qualification places on goal difference, following a shock 3-1 defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt last week.

Under the revamped Champions League format, only the top eight teams qualify directly for the last 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th must contest a two-legged playoff to reach the knockout stage.

“I prefer to have more points, but it is what we deserve,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.

He added, “We need to focus and try to win our game, then see what position we finish.”

City are part of a tightly packed group of eight teams level on 13 points after seven matches, with just three points separating third place from 15th.

Victory alone may not be enough for Guardiola’s side, who will also be reliant on favorable results elsewhere, with goal difference likely to prove decisive.

“We’ll see the result in the last 10 minutes and then we will see what needs to be done about goal difference. We have to focus on our game, that’s the key. We will try to win tomorrow,” he added.

Despite City’s pedigree, Guardiola was quick to highlight the challenge posed by Galatasaray, who currently lead the Turkish Super Lig and boast significant experience at the European level.

“Galatasaray are leading the Turkish league and all their players are exceptional. The quality they have… we have to make an incredible effort with our fans,” he said.

City goes into the match with Erling Haaland enduring an uncharacteristic dip in form. After scoring 39 goals in 36 appearances for club and country earlier this season, the Norwegian has managed just one goal in his last nine matches and was left unused in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Wolves.

Guardiola, however, was quick to defend his striker.

He said, “The team. They have to play better, create more chances and he will score. Never underestimate the strikers, the goalscorers, because they will make you silent.”