Guardiola’s squad has a core of 12 players who have all been part of at least three triumphant sides since the 2016-17 campaign: Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Rúben Dias, John Stones, Ederson, Bernardo Silva, Aymeric Laporte, João Cancelo, Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez. The manager had previously praised their ability to maintain the mental and physical edge to achieve this. With 12 players remaining at City, Guardiola was asked what made him make sure they can compete again. “There’s no reason not to be sure,” he said. “No reason. What these guys have done, not just in the Premier League but in the [domestic] cups and Europe [says it all]. I don’t know what’s going to happen this season, but I sure know these guys. I don’t doubt it for a second.” City lost the Community Shield 3-1 to Liverpool on Saturday, but Guardiola is not worried ahead of the league visit of West Ham next Sunday. “We lost a final that we would have preferred to win but respect to the opponent. We know the standards and how to reach them, maintaining them as always,” he said. “We are closer [to being ready]. A few days ago we played against Bayern and we performed very well and against Liverpool we did very good things. I don’t feel like we’re far away. “But the end of the pitch [attack and defence] will dictate what happens against West Ham and Bournemouth. It will dictate our level. There are processes that will not be perfect and that we will have to fix and improve.” Of City’s rivalry with Liverpool, Guardiola said: “It has happened in recent years and especially because of the struggles that both sides are causing. Both are making moves on the counter and I’m sure that will continue. There are many, many teams in the Premier League who can reach this level – the consistency we’ve had in previous seasons.” The Fiver: sign up and receive our daily football email. While Erling Haaland failed to score against Liverpool, another debutant, Julian Alvarez, registered City’s consolation goal. Guardiola’s other new signing, Calvin Phillips, was an unused substitute. “He’s confident – he’s ready to play,” the manager said of the midfielder. “He came just three weeks ago and we have Rodri, Bernard [Silva] and Gündogan who already know our game. But step by step he will take it. He will help us in many games.”
