“It’s been very, very difficult” – Ederson assesses Manchester City struggles after failed Saudi transfer | OneFootball

In an interview with ESPN Brasil, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has reflected on his side’s shortcomings this campaign and why Pep Guardiola’s men have failed to challenge for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles this term.

City are set to see champions-elect Liverpool claim their Premier League crown after four consecutive years of leading the English top-flight, with Guardiola’s men fighting to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League by virtue of a top five league finish.

A thrilling comeback victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday saw Manchester City – led by outgoing playmaker Kevin De Bruyne – come back from two goals behind to claim a stylish 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.

Three points against Oliver Glasner’s side and results elsewhere in the league mean City have climbed from sixth to fifth place with six games left to play – amidst their aspirations of a successful FA Cup run ahead of a semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

The summer transfer window will give Guardiola and incoming sporting director Hugo Viana the time to conduct a ruthless audit of the first-team, with significant changes expected to City’s injury-riddled, ageing squad that have failed to live up to expectations this season.

“It’s been a very unusual season, especially considering everything we’ve produced in recent years, things that aren’t normal either,” said Ederson in an interview with ESPN Brasil last week, as relayed by Sport Witness.

“But this season has been very, very difficult; a lot of injuries, individual performances not good. But that’s football, you can’t always give your best. And it’s very collective; if the 11 don’t work, a lot of things need to be adjusted.”

Manchester City crashed out of the UEFA Champions League at the Round of 16 stage courtesy of a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid over two legs in February – after a disastrous run of results in the autumn of 2024 killed any hopes of a league title challenge.

Ederson added: “If we were at our best, we’d definitely be fighting for the Premier League title. Our main goal is to qualify for the UEFA Champions League because next season the players win, the club wins, everyone wins. More money for the club, more prestige to play this competition. It would be a big blow if we didn’t qualify.”

The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League last summer and after staying on at the Etihad Stadium this season, Ederson provided his fourth assist of the season on Saturday when he set up full debutant James McAtee for City’s fourth goal against Palace.