City beat Club Brugge 3-1 in their final league phase game on Wednesday (29.01.25) to avoid an embarrassing early exit but the coach is unsure whether it will mark a turning point in his team's troubled season.

Asked if it could be a springboard for his side, Guardiola told TNT Sports: "I don't know. I would like to tell you yes, but I don't know.

"We have been so unstable during the season. In the past, we were always incredibly consistent, but this has not been a stable season.

"In the Premier League, we are so tight. Win a game, we can be there, lose a game, we can be relegated seven or eight positions, because many teams are there.

"Today is a sense of relief to qualify. Of course, it's a long, long season ahead of us, but still, step by step, we are recovering results. Some moments are good games. It's what we have to do."

Guardiola hailed midfielder Mateo Kovacic after his equaliser sparked City's fightback in the second half.

The manager said: "He makes a fantastic goal. I know Kova, when he's able to break the lines in that way, it's something unique, something special.

"We did it. Now it's time to enjoy it, because it's been a really tough season in the Champions League.

"We arrive in the last stages every season in the last [few] years. This season, from the problems that we had, we struggle a lot. But finally, we could qualify. The draw is the draw, and we will see."

City now face a daunting play-off game against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich but Guardiola is focusing on the positives for his team.

He said: "Fortunately we can go. Of course, it's Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, which will be really tough.

"But it's in two weeks. In two weeks, we have a few players back, the new signings back, so hopefully we can do a good two games."