Pep Guardiola has praised Nottingham Forest for their impressive performance this season, which has seen them rise to third place in the Premier League.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have accumulated 48 points from 27 matches and are currently one point ahead of the defending champions, Manchester City, ahead of Saturday’s crucial clash at the City Ground.
This highly anticipated match could play a pivotal role in the battle for Champions League qualification, with both sides vying for a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, a tightly packed chasing group of clubs will be ready to capitalise on any dropped points.
“When you are third in the table after eight, 10 fixtures, okay,” he said.
“But when you are there with 11 games left it and still you are third, it’s because you have done really, really well.
“You cannot be there unless you have done good things. Impressive, I would say.
“[They are] really compact and aggressive on transitions.
Top-Four Race
The top four teams in the Premier League are guaranteed a spot in next year’s Champions League, with the possibility of a fifth-place finisher qualifying depending on England’s ranking in UEFA’s coefficient system.
With teams down to 10th place separated by just five points from Manchester City, there are plenty of contenders for Europe’s premier club competition next season.
Pep Guardiola has acknowledged this reality and the immense appeal of the Champions League.
“There are many clubs fighting for this target,” he said.
“Everyone wants to be in the Champions League next season – prestige, sustainability, and economically, many reasons.”
