Manchester City has started strongly under newly appointed manager Pep Guardiola in the Premier League with four straight wins in four matches. However, Guardiola believes that the team is not ready to compete in the Champions League yet.
The Etihad side is perched right at the top of the Premier League table with 12 points in 4 games and beat their city rivals Manchester United on Saturday. They led 2-0 through Kevin De Bruyne's goal and Kelechi Iheanacho's tap in by the 36th minute.
Trending
But Zlatan Ibrahimovic's volley, right before half-time, reduced the deficit by one goal as United dominated much of the 2nd half.
Also read: Pep Guardiola hails Claudio Bravo's performance as one of the best he's seen
City are scheduled to host German side, Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday and the boss claims that they have to be more clinical in the attacking third in their Champions League opener.
As quoted from Sky Sports, Guardiola said, "Until now in the Premier League it has been okay, but to compete against the best clubs in Europe, in this moment with the way we are playing, we are not able to.
"We have played, not all of the games, but part of most of the games at a high level, and of course we have to continue.
"If you ask me whether we are ready to compete in Europe, we are not ready. We create, but in front we need more. But it is just two months together, so we have time to get better."
Also read: Guardiola's City buoyant for visit of Moenchengladbach
The Spanish mastermind has demanded more efficiency in finishing as his side failed to capitalise on more than one occasion when Rooney and co. were pushing for an equaliser in the 2nd half at Old Trafford.
"We have had a little bit of a problem in the last few games with the last pass - we make the movements, but the last pass...especially in the second half when Manchester United pushed a lot.
"There was the chance to make counter attacks, and we had many. But, except for one or two from Kevin De Bruyne, we didn't finish."
The story is no different from the Sky Blues’ performances against West Ham United and Stoke City. Guardiola believes that his side were lucky to win and has urged his players to kill the game by taking their chance when the game is wide open.
"It happened similarly against Stoke and West Ham - when the game is open, which is typical here in England, if you don't finish those actions you are going to suffer until the end. We were lucky - maybe one day we will not be lucky."
