Key Facts:
The city recovered from being down a goal to defeat the Belgian team Brugge on Wednesday in a crucial league phase final, securing 22nd place in the table - three positions above the drop zone.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola isn't entirely convinced of the new Champions League format after his team barely made it through to the knockout round, but described the experience as an "incredible lesson" for his team.
The city team came from a goal behind to defeat the Belgian side Brugge on Wednesday in a thrilling league phase finale, securing 22nd place in the standings - three positions above relegation.
"I would say I don't like it because we've struggled a lot," said Guardiola, whose team only won two of their first seven matches leading up to Wednesday's thrilling game.
We found ourselves on the high ground, with only 45 minutes to go. This is a valuable lesson for me and the team: we should never take anything for granted.
City will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the two-legged knockout round, and despite the team's recent form not being favorable against either opponent, the manager said some reinforcements will be available for selection.
New signings Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis will not be available for the league phase initially, but can join the team starting in the second and third weeks of February for the knockout games. Additionally, a small number of injured players may also be cleared to rejoin the team.
We will be better in two weeks," Guardiola said. "Players will return, new signings will be added.
Guardiola is also realistic in a season where they often find themselves in an unfamiliar fourth position in the Premier League.
"We're not sure if they're keen to face us, but it's just the way it is. One team rules the competition, while the other is the second or third dominant force," Guardiola said of Real Madrid, who boast 15 Champions League titles, and Bayern Munich, who haveaccumulated six.
We participate in this competition with around 1 billion challenges. They are the favourites, yes, they have an advantage over us at the moment.
Mateo Kovačić and substitute Savinho both scored, along with Bruges' own goal, in the victorious outcome.
"The first half was really academic, we lost that spark, Savinho brought it, he changed the game, and after five minutes he created two or three corner kicks," Guardiola said.
Sometimes you're winning with a 2-0 or 3-0 lead, and yet, you're still nervous about losing. You're down 1-0 in the Champions League and at critical moments, we manage to find the equalizing goals.
Guardiola kicked over a drinks cooler in celebration after Savinho's goal that all but sealed the game's outcome, and he responded in a lighthearted manner to a post-game press conference question about the condition of his foot.