Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his team is not ready to win the Champions League in their current form but remains hopeful of improvement before facing Real Madrid or Bayern Munich next month.

City staged a second-half comeback to defeat Club Brugge 3-1 on Wednesday, avoiding an early group-stage exit for the first time since 2012. However, Guardiola acknowledged that top teams like Madrid and Bayern are in stronger form.

“Right now, no. I’m so realistic,” Guardiola said when asked if City could retain their 2023 title. He noted that injuries and inconsistent performances have affected the squad, but he expects reinforcements, including new signings, to boost their chances.

Despite City’s struggles in the Premier League, where they sit fourth and 12 points behind Liverpool, Guardiola remains optimistic. “Sometimes it is impossible today, but tomorrow the mindset changes,” he said. “We will try and create problems for Madrid or Bayern.”

City’s tense qualification added to the drama of the Champions League’s new Swiss model format, which Guardiola admitted was exciting for fans but stressful for teams. He warned that other big clubs might face similar difficulties in the future.