Manuel Akanji explains what Man City need to do to become 'best in the world'

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has pointed to winning trophies, in particular the Champions League, as the only way his team can become the best in the world.

City have enjoyed a plethora of success under Pep Guardiola. Since he joined the club in 2016, the Blues have won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, an FA Cup and two Community Shields.

However, the one trophy that has managed to allude Guardiola, ever since his Barcelona days, has been the Champions League. When asked by Sky Sports if City are the best team in the world, Akanji said that the Blues are in the conversation - but not there outright.

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"I think we are up there but I would not say that we are the best team right now," he explained. "I think we haven't proved it yet, totally, we are up there but there are still a lot of games to play in the Premier League, we are still in the FA Cup, the Champions League so there are a lot of good teams we are still facing.

"We have to show [our quality] until the end of the season and then maybe, or I hope so at the end of the year, we can say that [we are the best team in the world]." When pressed if winning City's first-ever Champions League and retaining the Premier League would help them reach that target, Akanji simply responded: "I think so, yes."

Guardiola's side took a huge step towards retaining their title on Wednesday night when they beat Arsenal 3-1 to move back to the top of the Premier League, on goal difference. The Gunners do have a game in hand on City but still have to travel to the Etihad before the end of the season.

As for the Champions League, City's quest continues next Wednesday when they travel to RB Leipzig for the first leg of their