We have set standards too high even for ourselves, admits Pep Guardiola

The Cityzens became centurions in 2017 by scoring 100 points in the league and winning the Premiership by 19 points. They then edged past Liverpool by 1 point to reach 98 points last year and became the first team to retain the league title in over 10 years.

“When we arrived here (in 2016) the standard was 85 points to win [the title]. Now you have to reach almost 100 points to win the Premier League. That is why we helped Liverpool to make this step, buy incredible top players and now it is the level you have to reach. All the teams that are behind Liverpool know we have to make 100 points. In 11 years no one won back-to-back [Premier Leagues] and then we did it by winning 14 games in a row. That is why when people say we are not good , I cannot forget what this team has done,” said Guardiola to the Sky Sports. 

“But sometimes in a process, in the NBA or with incredible tennis players, there are problems or periods in the season when you struggle a little bit. I would say that is normal. The situation we are in is going to help us in the future. I would have preferred to be closer to Liverpool but it is going to help us, all the club, the organisation. Maybe we think after four titles in one season we believe something we are not and the reality of sport is to make you live it again and again. In the position we are in, we have to overcome that situation, tomorrow and the next games, and prove how we are as a team,” concluded the Spanish boss.