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Pep Guardiola has brushed off suggestions that Manchester City are the best team in world football – naming two surprising picks instead.
City are on course to win their fourth Premier League title in five seasons, with Guardiola’s side 12 points clear of closest rivals Liverpool at the top of the table.
They are also the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Champions League this season, while the club is also through to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
But despite their impressive form, Guardiola insists they cannot be considered as the best team in the world.
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Instead, he has named European champions Chelsea, who are currently away at the Club World Cup in the UAE, and Argentine champions River Plate as the two strongest teams in the world.
He said: “We are not the best team in the world.
“The best team is Chelsea, who won the Champions League, or River Plate, who won in South America.
“The important thing is we won the game and in three days we go to Norwich and have to win again.
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“This type of thing about who is the best, I don't care. Just be happy and try to play better every day.”
City have already won three Premier League titles under Guardiola but are yet to secure an elusive Champions League trophy.
They will face Sporting Lisbon in last 16 of the competition, with the first leg in Portugal to be played on Tuesday.
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Up first for Guardiola’s side is a trip to Norwich in the Premier League on Saturday.
"We are in a good position, 60 points at the moment," Guardiola added.
"We have to qualify for the Champions League (next season) because that is the most important target and then arrive in the last few games fighting for the title.
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“This is what I want to do."
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Topics: Chelsea, Manchester City, River Plate, Pep Guardiola, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan