Pep Guardiola's Surprise Admission Over Manchester United Rivalry

Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola at KCOM Stadium, Hull, December 26. Guardiola believes Manchester City is 10 years behind rivals Manchester United. Matthew Lewis/Getty

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City is "10 years behind" fierce rivals Manchester United in terms of history.

Guardiola's brilliant start to life in England has tailed off over the festive period, with Manchester City falling to third in the table and seven points behind Premier League leader Chelsea.

But the Spaniard also revealed in an interview with American broadcaster NBC that he believes City is way behind its closest rival and neighbor Manchester United.

"We don't have the history with this shirt of Barcelona, Juventus, Bayern Munich or Manchester United, nor their titles," Guardiola said. "It's about being in Europe over the next decade, to be in the Champions League. That's more important to this club than winning one title, believe me.

"We have to convince people at this amazing club that they are good. They are good. And the fans as well. They have to believe they are good, the club is good, the players are good."

Guardiola completed a series of terse interviews after Manchester City's victory over Burnley on Monday.

His side faces West Ham in the FA Cup third round on Friday.

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