Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the possibility of his team competing in the Europa League next season if they fail to secure Champions League qualification through their Premier League position.

The defending champions currently find themselves in an unusual position, sitting sixth in the Premier League table with 65 points, trailing Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa who all have 66 points each. However, City have a game in hand over these three clubs.

"If we are not there [Champions League] then we don't deserve it and will be in the Europa League. It is what it is," Guardiola told reporters, addressing the team's current predicament.

Despite the precarious position, the Spanish tactician remains optimistic about City's chances of securing a top-five finish, which would guarantee Champions League football next season. Liverpool and Arsenal have already claimed two of the five available spots, with the Gunners securing their position after a 1-0 victory over Newcastle on Sunday.

"I am thinking we are going to qualify. My thoughts and the way I think — I think that," Guardiola affirmed. "We need four points. That is the main target. I am absolutely [confident of qualifying]."

Manchester City's next fixture is a home game against Bournemouth, which has now become crucial in their quest to maintain their streak of Champions League appearances. The Citizens need to collect four points from their remaining fixtures to secure qualification.

This situation represents an unusual challenge for Guardiola's side, who have dominated English football in recent years but now face the prospect of missing out on Europe's premier club competition for the first time since the 2010-2011 season.