Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must improve if they are to achieve set objectives this season.
City were imperious on Wednesday night as goals from Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus sealed a 2-0 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach in their first leg, round of 16 tie.
The performance from the Citizens was enough to complete a 19 consecutive win in all competitions but ever the perfectionist, Guardiola believes improvements can still be made.
“In general was good, we controlled the game apart from one action at the end,” he told BT Sport. “Unfortunately today we weren’t clinical upfront, when we were one v one and that’s something we have to improve in this competition.”
Guardiola then discussed the impact of Portuguese star, Bernado Silva who had a hand in both of City’s goals on the night.
“He is so intelligent, we need attacking midfielders to attack the box and he did it.”
Joao Cancelo was named man of the match following an impressive display which left Guardiola suitably impressed.
“He has to improve sometimes and know better to not make risks, but he’s so clever and gives us something special to make us play. So happy for his two assists in the final third.”
Moenchengladbach still have an outside chance of mounting an unlikely comeback and Guardiola is well aware his side could have easily put the tie to bed on Wednesday night.
“First leg is always more difficult but in this competition we don’t have many chances and upfront we have to be more clinical. The one against one or against the defenders we were not able to even dribble. In this competition you have to be perfect to go through.”
City have fallen short in the Champions League this season but their current form.has seen them installed by many as the favourites to claim this season’s diadem.
Guardiola however thinks that Bayern and not City should get the tag as favourites.
“When I see Bayern I wouldn’t think so (that City are favourites),” he added. “I say again, my target is West Ham. For a long time we thinking every game we try to win from Cheltenham to Old Trafford.
“Next challenge is West Ham at 12.30. If the people say that we have to accept it but [we are] the team who only arrives once in the semi final in ten years. If they say can win it, no problem.”