Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City's Champions League exit is now a “reality” after their 4-2 away defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
City have dropped to 25th in the table, which sees them drop out of the knockout places in the new format, after squandering a two-goal lead at the Parc des Princes.
Goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland lifted Guardiola's side to 18th, but it was short-lived as PSG scored three times in 22 minutes in a 4-2 win that left City two points behind 24th-placed Stuttgart started the “last” game. chance” against Club Brugge on January 29.
“We have one last chance at home in Brugge and we hope to qualify,” Guardiola said after the game.
“It could happen, if we don't win we don't deserve it. It's always a difficult game, that's the reality, we don't have enough points and we have to accept that. We have to do what we have to do.
“We couldn't cope. When one team is better, I have no problem accepting it. Now we are preparing for Chelsea and the final (match) against Club Brugge. We have to beat them.
“This is what we have to do, survive and try to move forward. I know the players are trying and doubting, but when the team is better, you have to accept it.”
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Danny Mills reacts as PSG pull two goals back against Manchester City after trailing at half-time
Guardiola: The table is fair
When asked if seeing his team in 25th place in the Champions League is a fair reflection of their performance in Europe, Guardiola added: “Is the table fair? Of course it is.
“What's the argument to say it's not fair? After all, we're in this position, we fought against top teams. We have to accept it and recover.”
Grealish: We're losing too much contact
Man City forward Jack Grealish talk to TNT Sport:
“Usually in these moments we are so good. It has happened too many times this season – we go one, two or three goals up and we are not able to see it.
“Every other season we've been so good at running games.
PSG's Bradley Barcola celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Manchester City
“I don't know if it's a confidence issue. It's up to us to change that going forward and win that game next week (against Club Brugge).
“We've had games like this in recent seasons. Big pressure and we'll need it. It's up to us and we're really good at home.”
Enrique: Football is sometimes unfair
Despite climbing to 22nd after a stunning comeback win, PSG are still not guaranteed a place in the knockout play-offs and their boss Luis Enrique is well aware of the challenge ahead.
“Football is sometimes unfair, sometimes unbelievable,” he said after the game. “When we scored, it was like a new energy for everyone. We have to win the last match against Stuttgart.
“We are one of the best young teams in the Champions League and for the confidence it's amazing. It showed everyone that they are ready to work and suffer as a team, even against a team like Manchester City.”