"We're disappointed for the loss and for being eliminated from the FA Cup. We did our best, we managed to control them for 80 minutes, but they are a great team. In my opinion, in this moment they are the best team in the world". Carlo Ancelotti, Everton manager, after the FA Cup against Guardiola describes the perfect machine built by the Spanish coach: in the last 26 matches, Manchester City hasn't won just once, in the derby against Manchester United.
But City's machinery didn't start at its maximum, as in the first twelve league matches they had collected 20 points, Guardiola's worst start since being a first team coach. And then 17 wins in the last four months, with 14 points above second placed Manchester United and a third Premier League that seems very close. "They also have the best bench in the world", adds Ancelotti. Yesterday the team allowed itself to leave on the bench the likes of Cancelo, Aguero, De Bruyne and Mahrez. A player who deserves to be pointed out is Ilkay Gundogan, transformed in an offensive midfielder and capable of scoring 16 goals in the season.
Guardiola suggests calm and concentration: "We've won 25 out of 26 matches, but we haven't won any title yet". Anyway, Citizens have a concrete chance this year to win all the four competitions in which they are still involved: Champions League with the quarter-final against Haaland's Borussia Dortmund, Premier League, League Cup final and FA Cup semi-finals. The path is the right one, now the automatic pilot is needed to end the season winning these titles.
