While Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are in the unlikeliest of positions having to battle desperately for a Champions League berth next season, the manager did not mince his words in describing the enormity of the challenge.

Champions League qualification is getting tantalizingly close for Nottingham Forest but there's still plenty of work to do for Manchester City.

Manchester City will have to make rapid improvements if they are to qualify for Champions League football after losing 1-0 at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola said.

Manchester City failed to ease fears of missing out on next season's Champions League after twice blowing the lead to draw 2-2 against Brighton, while third-placed Nottingham Forest thrashed Ipswich 4-2 on Saturday.

Manchester City's hopes of securing European football for next season were dealt a significant setback after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.