Boss Pep has no regrets

PEP Guardiola has no regrets about his first season in charge at Manchester City and is convinced they will qualify for the Champions League.

The City boss accepts there is a possibility his side could miss out - and would make adjustments accordingly - but is fully focused on achieving the bare minimum aim of a Premier League top-four spot.

RIVALS

City host rivals Manchester United tonight in a match that could have a huge bearing on both sides' Champions League ambitions.

Having failed to produce a serious title challenge, City are fourth with United just a point behind them in a tight battle.

Guardiola, whose last hope of silverware this season ended with FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, said: "I think we'll be able to qualify for the Champions League but if we are not able to we are going to adapt and play the Europa League.

"I am optimistic.

"I am so proud of my players, what we are doing and even how we played the last game at Wembley stadium.

"I don't have regrets, I don't have complaints.

"At the end of the season - in my last press conference - I will explain my feelings if we are in or out."

Guardiola has attempted to play down the significance of the derby.

The result could make a big difference to either sides' prospects but Guardiola is not ruling out further twists and turns elsewhere.

Guardiola said: "Every game is so, so important. It's going to go until the last game.

WINNING

"We saw Liverpool lose at home against Crystal Palace and Palace have to come here after winning at Stamford Bridge, Anfield and at home against Arsenal.

"What I've learned here is that the difficulty with the top and low teams are quite similar.

"Middlesbrough will be difficult, Palace, West Brom, Watford.

"Game by game, we'll try to win the points and ensure Champions League next season."