Guardiola: I have told my players to forget Champions League exit

Manchester City’s players are still hurting from their Champions League defeat, but Pep Guardiola has assured them that they will “get what they deserve” in the competition.

City were eliminated from the quarter-finals in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, falling to an away-goals defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, drawing 4-4 on aggregate.

Raheem Sterling appeared to have scored a winning goal in stoppage time, which would have sent City through the only second European Cup semi-final in their history.

“I think it’s just life,” Guardiola said, reflecting on City’s defeat before Tottenham’s return to the Etihad on Saturday in the Premier League.

“I qualify for the first final of the Champions League [with Barcelona in 2009] with just one shot on target and maybe we didn’t deserve it. Then there’s been others when I think we deserve it.

“We have to live with these situations, accept them. Inside it hurts, it will be on our minds but looking backwards will not will help us to move forward.

“It was a tough night but the day after, stand up and move forward. These players have the opportunity to show they can do that.

“They will get back what they deserve, this season or next season or three or four years.

“One day they will be in the same position and they’ll be fortunate, luckier, more precise or whatever and go to the next stages.”

Guardiola wants the trauma of Wednesday night to stay with his City players and inspire them, not only this weekend against Tottenham but in the remainder of the title race.