Pep Guardiola suggested Manchester City have bounced back after their 6-0 win at Ipswich this afternoon.
City entered the competition on the back of a five-game unbeaten run following some dismal results before Christmas. But their performance level was still well below the winning form that saw them win four consecutive Premier League titles.
That changed in Suffolk as the home side were swept away by a devastating display of attacking football. Phil Foden scored twice with Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Docu, Erling Haaland and James McAtee all on the scoresheet as the six goals lifted City to fourth in the table.
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Pep really pleased
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “We’re very happy, we’re going back to doing things that have defined this team for the last 10 years. 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 judge his team’s performance, he added: “Much better. Maybe not our best but closer to the consistency we have in our game. Most of them didn’t happen in the previous games we won.
“The way we went without the ball, you can’t play in the small spaces. Everyone with the ball was smarter, faster, faster. Everyone is related. You can’t be fast, smart and good if you’re not connected defensively.
“Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they beat Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam (Delap) is a fantastic striker. The players saw what we are and that’s the best thing.”
“You have to enjoy it”
City have endured a difficult season and are out of the title race as they sit 12 points behind leaders Liverpool with Guardiola stressing the need for enjoyment as he looks to a strong finish to the campaign.
He added: “They (the players) know the standards and they know what they’ve done in the past. It’s not about winning or losing, you have to enjoy it.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a professional or an amateur. You can be in the best theater in London or a theater in Sheffield and people in Sheffield will love it and come back smiling.”
Foden was named man of the match after his second goal in a row following his two goals at Brentford in midweek.
He told the club’s website: “It’s good to see me back scoring goals and with a smile on my face and enjoying my football. I’ve had a few goals recently and want to continue now and add to that.
“Everything seemed to change for me in front of the goal. I think I was a bit unlucky before those goals I scored with few chances.
“If I can keep getting into the box with the players we have, then they’re going to keep finding me. I’m happy to keep scoring.”
