Pep Guardiola suggested Manchester City have bounced back after they thrashed Ipswich 6-0 this afternoon.
City enter the competition on the back of a five-match unbeaten run following some poor results before Christmas. But their performance levels were still some way below the all-conquering form that saw them win four consecutive Premier League titles.
That changed in Suffolk as the home side were delighted with a devastating display of attacking football. Phil Foden scored twice, while Mateo Kovačić, Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee all got on the six-goal side as City moved up to fourth in the table.
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Very satisfied Pep
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We’re really pleased, we’ve gone back to the things that have defined this team for the last 10 years. I’m really happy for the three points and to qualify for the Champions League for next season, it’s going to be so difficult.”
Asked to rate his side’s display, he added: “Much better. Maybe not the best, but we’re closer with the consistency we have in our game. Most of them did not happen in the previous games we won.
“With the way we went without the ball, you can’t play short distances. Everyone with the ball was agile, faster, faster. They are all related. You can’t be fast, smart and good if you’re not defensively connected.
“Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they won at Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam [Delap] is a fantastic striker. The players saw what we are like and that’s the best.”
‘You have to enjoy it’
City have endured a difficult season and are all but out of the title race as they sit 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, with Guardiola stressing the need to enjoy themselves as they eye a strong end to the campaign.
He added: “They [the players] they know the standards and know what they have done in the past. It’s not about winning or losing, you have to enjoy it.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or an amateur. You can be in the best theater in London or a theater in Sheffield and those in Sheffield will love it and come back smiling.”
Foden was named man of the match for the second consecutive game following his two goals at Brentford in midweek.
He told the club’s website: “It’s good to see me back scoring goals and enjoying my football with a smile on my face. I’ve had a few goals recently and now I want to go ahead and add to that.
“Everything seemed to change for me in front of goal. I think I was unlucky before these goals that I scored with few chances.
“If I can keep coming into the box with these players we’ve got, they’re going to keep finding me. I’m delighted to keep scoring.”
