Guardiola heaps praise on Man City players

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on his footballers, the former English Premier League (EPL) champions, who have given a great start to the current season.

City have won all their eight games so far this season. That includes five matche in the EPL where they sit at the top of the table with 15 points.

Guardiola admitted that he has been surprised at how fast the players adjusted and gelled among themselves in the run-up to the season.

"I have to be honest, it's quick, I didn't expect that," the former FC Barcelona manager was quoted as saying by the Guardian on Sunday.

"I am surprised how long we are able to play good levels. All the players create more chances than the opponents, we concede less chances than the opponents and that is the most important thing," he added.

The 45-year-old, however, was quick to point out that City's superb start to the season does not make them favourites to win all the tournaments they are contesting, including the Champions Trophy, EPL, FA Cup and League Cup.

"Manchester City arrived in the Champions League semi-final once, so when the people believe I am going to win the Champions League because I am a really good coach, I don't think so."

Guardiola said, "My happiness does not depend on if I am going to win all the titles or not. My target is now to be happy today, drink a little bit of wine and prepare the (next) game -- and of course I am going to try to win that League Cup game (at Swansea City), there is no doubt about that. After that we are going to see."

"So my question is: did the people who came to the Bournemouth game really enjoy it? Yes? Wow, that is enough. To win titles or not we will have to see," he added.

--IANS

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