ON COURSE

City need to conquer Europe to seek recognition, says Guardiola

Guardiola has led City to three Premier League titles, four League Cups, and the FA Cup since taking over in 2016

In Summary

•City are yet to become champions of Europe, coming closest after reaching the Champions League final last season.

•For now, City remains on track to win a treble this season, leading the Premier League, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup and also the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in a past match
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in a past match
Image: REUTERS

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said the team will have to win the Champions League to seek recognition worldwide, but the Spaniard is "incredibly happy" with what the Premier League club have achieved so far.

Guardiola has led City to three Premier League titles, four League Cups, and the FA Cup since taking over in 2016, but they are yet to become champions of Europe, coming closest after reaching the Champions League final last season.

For now, City remains on track to win a treble this season, leading the Premier League by one point, reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup and also the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

"Sometimes to be happy we get the proof from outside to be happy inside and that is stupid," Guardiola said ahead of a Premier League clash with second-placed Liverpool later on Sunday. 

"I agree with most of the people who said that we've not achieved in Europe, we've not won the Champions League and maybe they are right. To get the recognition of everyone in the world outside we need to conquer Europe.

"Is it going to happen? I don't know – so far what we've done here makes me incredibly happy. First of all, we had fun. We did many, many good things, that's my feeling. But whether it is enough doesn't matter. I could not care less."