'When you don't win, you're zero'

PEP Guardiola admits he will be considered a “zero” if City relinquish their grip on the Premier League title this season - but ahead of their return to domestic action he revealed he is relishing the doubts surrounding his side.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

The City boss also issued a stinging rebuke to those now writing City off, accusing them of being obsessed with results and failing to see the bigger picture, having praised performances of a similar level when his team were winning. The Blues were crowned world champions in Jeddah last week but they missed a round of domestic action while in the Middle East and are now outside the top four ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Everton.

Guardiola talked of a chapter being closed after Friday’s 4-0 win against Fluminense that saw City add the world title to their domestic and European gongs. The Catalan has now won every available trophy during his time at the Etihad.