Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his team remains “far away” from being ready to win the UEFA Champions League, despite a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The win boosted City’s push to secure a top-eight finish, lifting them to fourth place with Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray still set to play in the New Year.
Sky Bet currently ranks City as the third favourites to win the competition, behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but Guardiola insists his side is not yet at the level required.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said:
“We are far away. Still, we are not ready. In February, we will be better. We have been here in the past, playing much more than today, and we have lost. That’s football sometimes.”
The City boss, however, praised the performance and mentality of his squad:
“The players made an incredible effort, it was an incredibly good result, the spirit is unbelievable, but there are still margins to improve.”
City return to action in the new year as they continue their quest for European success.
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