Pep Guardiola exclusive: Manchester City manager 'proud' of side's relentless 'desire' ahead of Sparta Prague clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised the character which his players continue to show as they look to retain their Premier League title for an unprecedented fifth consecutive season, and win a second UEFA Champions League trophy. City host Sparta Prague at the Etihad Stadium following a dramatic 2-1 win against Wolves, and Guardiola is ready for a stern test from the Czechs.

Pep Guardiola lauded his players’ hunger to continually challenge for major honours ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash against Sparta Prague on Wednesday – live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

City left it late to seal a 2-1 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, as a late header from John Stones secured all three points and extended their unbeaten Premier League run to a club record 31 games.

Guardiola highlighted how the winning mentality within the squad is propelling them towards another challenge for domestic and European glory this season.

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“When you win in the 94th minute you are always happy, but still now, people can say, 'oh we were playing against Wolves’. But we respect them and that’s [why] we celebrated in the way we did it,” he told TNT Sports.

“You can't only celebrate when you win the trophies, it's also about the process. You see Jack [Grealish], Matheus [Nunes] and Phil [Foden] come from the bench, make a big contribution to the team and the way they celebrate.

“You see the images and you say, 'okay, the team is still alive; they still want to do it'. That's the most important thing, otherwise you don't win four [Premier League titles] in a row, you don't win six of the last seven in the Premier League.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

“All the Premier League games are so difficult, so to have that desire to be close to the top, that made me so proud of the players, and hopefully we can continue.”

Guardiola’s men now turn their attention back to the Champions League and a showdown with Sparta, who have scored in all 19 of their games across all competitions so far this season.

They are also still unbeaten in Europe’s premier cup competition following a 2-0 win at home to Malmo and a 1-1 draw away against Stuttgart.

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“They always score,” Guardiola continued.

“I have seen the games and they do their patterns so well. If we are not close to them, we can suffer.”

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