Pep Guardiola has issued a warning that Manchester City are nearing the performance levels that have made them the dominant force in English football over the past decade.
City delivered a scintillating display on Sunday, thrashing Ipswich Town 6-0 at Portman Road. Goals from Phil Foden (2), Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and James McAtee propelled the reigning Premier League champions back into the top four after starting the day in eighth place.
Despite some lingering areas for improvement, Guardiola expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress as they aim to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
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“We are really pleased; we’re starting to do the things that have defined this team over the last 10 years,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “It’s great to get three points and climb into the Champions League places, which will be a tough battle this season.
“We’re much better now. Maybe not at our best, but we’re getting closer, with more consistency in our game. The elements that define our success weren’t there in the games we previously won, but now they’re coming back.
“The way we played without the ball, the cleverness and speed with it—everything is connected. You can’t play quickly or wisely unless you’re defensively organized.”
Guardiola admitted he was already thinking about City’s midweek Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain during the latter stages of the match, as City seek two positive results to secure a spot in the play-off round of the revamped competition.
“After four or five goals, my mind was already on Paris,” Guardiola revealed. “It’s a long trip, and we have to prepare well. I want to thank our fans for their incredible support.
“It’s not easy to come all this way, and I’m glad we gave them a performance they can celebrate. Hopefully, they’ll enjoy some beers on the train back and cherish this moment.
“Looking ahead, we know we have two finals. If we win both, we qualify. Even if we win one, there’s a big chance. We created problems for ourselves earlier in the group stage, especially with the Feyenoord game and the loss in Lisbon. But we had many challenges then.
“Now, we’re in a better place, and hopefully, we can carry this form into Paris.”
Guardiola’s focus is now firmly on PSG, as City aim to sustain their momentum and secure their place in Europe’s elite competition.
