Following Wednesday's 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, in which Manchester City surrendered a two-goal advantage, Pep Guardiola acknowledged his team's inability to manage the match, jeopardizing their Champions League aspirations.

“They were better. We have to accept it, We have the last chance at home against Bruges. We will do everything there and if we don’t it is because we don’t deserve it,” Guardiola told reporters after the match at the Parc des Princes.

“They were better, we have to accept it. It’s sport and it is like that.”

Manchester City initially took charge as Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland both found the net shortly after the second half began. 

Nevertheless, Ousmane Dembele responded with a goal, and Bradley Barcola equalized for PSG at the hour mark. PSG then took the lead with a header from Joao Neves in the 78th minute and secured their victory in stoppage time when Goncalo Ramos scored their fourth goal.

As a result, PSG has moved ahead of City in the standings, leaving Guardiola’s side in 25th place out of 36 teams, with eight points from seven matches.

Only the top 24 teams will advance to the knockout stage, but City will face Club Brugge in their final league phase match next Wednesday, where a victory is likely to ensure the 2023 European champions progress to the play-off round.

Prior to that, City will host Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, a crucial match in their pursuit of a top-four finish domestically.

“I knew it would be tough. PSG is an exceptional team. We could not cope,” added Guardiola, who pointed to the home side having an extra man in midfield as being key.

“I would like to say differently but when one team plays better you have to accept it.

“Now we have to prepare for a tough game against Chelsea and of course the final against Bruges. Try to move forward. I know the players gave everything.”

Ruben Dias' participation in upcoming matches is uncertain following his substitution at halftime in Paris.

“He asked to be replaced because he didn’t feel good,” the coach said of Dias, who has only just returned from a spell on the sidelines due to injury.