Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that his side do not need to win the Champions League this season, just days after claiming he will be a 'failure' if he cannot win European football's top prize.

The Spaniard reasoned that if his side are unable to win the coveted trophy come May, they will simply have another go at it next season.

City face Real Madrid in the round of 16 this month, with both sides experiencing inconsistent campaigns in their respective leagues.

Pep Guardiola has insisted winning the Champions League is not a priority this season

Manchester City are desperate to win the competition but have fallen short under Guardiola

But Guardiola, who is into the final 18 months of his contract, said: 'The only thing City don't have is a Champions League and it's good people ask for it.

'I will try and if not this year then next year — the world won't end if you don't win it.'

Despite a poor attempt at retaining their Premier League crown, City are still on course to scoop the remaining three competitions this season - the EFL Cup, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

Guardiola urged for critics to have some perspective when taking aim at his misfiring stars.

City may be without star man Raheem Sterling for the trip to Real Madrid in the round of 16

“City was a club that, for a decade, wanted to just stay in the Premier League," he said.

“Suddenly they were bought by people from Abu Dhabi and took a leap forward and won four leagues in a decade.”

City may be without star man Raheem Sterling for the first leg of their clash with Madrid, after the Englishman picked up a hamstring injury during the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

Early indications suggest the 24-year-old could be out of action for up to four weeks, making him a doubt for the trip to the Santiago Bernebeu.