Pep Guardiola enjoyed a rare midweek in front of the television watching the Champions League, marvelling at the action at Anfield and the drama in Madrid. The problem for the Manchester City manager is that it may be an unwanted glimpse of his immediate future. He could have too many free Tuesday and Wednesday nights next season. For the first time in 15 years, the Champions League may not contain City.
A six-pointer for qualification ended as it began, with City one point ahead of Brighton, clinging on to fifth place. Which – thanks more to the European exploits of others than City themselves – will almost certainly be enough. And yet, with City lacking conviction and consistency, there is precious little certainty they will stay there.
