Milan, May 19 (LaPresse) – "The Champions League? If we don't get there, it means we haven't deserved it and we'll play the Europa League. But I think we'll qualify." So said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on the eve of the Premier League recovery match against Bournemouth. The citizens are currently sixth in the standings, behind Newcastle, third, Chelsea, fourth, and Aston Villa, fifth. Only the top five will secure a place in the Champions League. Given City's goal difference, four points from their last two games should be enough to seal a top-five finish. Tomorrow's match could be Kevin De Bruyne's last at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola didn't say anything about the Belgian midfielder's presence on the pitch, but confirmed that the fans and the club will pay homage to one of the protagonists of City's golden cycle. De Bruyne has in fact announced his farewell to Manchester at the end of the season. "Kevin will get what he deserves, and what he deserves is the best moment and the best compliment for his incredible career and for what he has done with the other incredible legends of this club," said Guardiola. "What Kevin will want is for us to win the game to qualify for the Champions League next season," added the coach. "That's what Kevin wants, it couldn't be otherwise," concluded Guardiola.
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