Pep Guardiola has tipped Manchester City to return to action following their 6-0 win at Ipswich this afternoon.
Manchester City entered the competition on a five-match unbeaten run before Christmas. But their performance fell short of the all-conquering form that led them to four consecutive Premier League titles.
Suffolk were blown away by the sight of the home attack being destroyed. Phil Foden is Mateo Kovacic; Jeremy Doku Two goals from Arling Haaland and James McAtey lifted Manchester City to fourth place on the table with six goals.
Today #StatWrap 📊
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— Man City (@ManCity) January 19 2025
Pep is really satisfied.
“We are really pleased,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. We're redoing what has defined this team for the last 10 years. “I'm really satisfied with the three points and qualifying for next season's Champions League,” he said.
Asked to assess his side's performance, he said: “Much better. Not our best, but probably closer to the consistency we have in our game. Most of them didn't happen in the previous games we won.
“Without the ball, the way we went, we couldn't play in short spaces. Everyone who handles the ball is smart, fast fast It applies to everyone. If you don't connect with the defense, quickly, You can't be smart and good.
“Ipswich beat Chelsea and beat Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam (Delap) is a good striker. The players see what we're all about and that's the best thing.”
'You must be happy.'
City have endured a difficult season and are 12 points behind Liverpool at the top, with Guardiola stressing the need to push for the title and enjoy the start of the season.
He said: “They (players) know the standards and know what they have done in the past. We need to be happy regardless of whether we win or lose.
“It doesn't matter if you're a professional or a hobbyist. You can be in the best theater in London or a theater in Sheffield and people in Sheffield will appreciate it and smile back.”
Foden was named the tournament's player of the tournament after tracking down his second consecutive goal following his two-goal haul at Brantford in midweek.
He told the club website: “It's good to see me back scoring goals and playing football with a smile on my face. I've had a few goals recently and now I want to go ahead and add to it.
“In front of the goal, everything seems to have changed. Before scoring these goals, I think I was a little unlucky to score with few chances.
“With these players we've got, if I can keep going into the box, they'll keep looking for me. I'm happy to keep scoring goals.”