Securing a top four finish would be as big a success as anything Pep Guardiola has achieved at Manchester City believes the manager as he looks to reframe his side's ambitions ahead of a defining run of fixtures.
City are fifth going into their battle with Chelsea this weekend, and play each of the other top six teams in their next six Premier League games, plus a trip to Tottenham.
There is also a must-win Champions League fixture with Club Brugge next week where anything but victory will see the Blues fail to reach the knockout stages.
Guardiola admitted he never expected not to reach the top 24 of the new-look competition, a prospect which is now at serious risk.
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