Pep Guardiola hits out at Man City doubters ahead of Premier League return

Pep Guardiola admits he will be considered a "zero" if Manchester City relinquish their grip on the Premier League title this season - but ahead of their return to domestic action he revealed he is relishing the doubts surrounding his side.

The City boss also issued a stinging rebuke to those now writing City off, accusing them of being obsessed with results and failing to see the bigger picture, having praised performances of a similar level when his team were winning. The Blues were crowned world champions in Jeddah last week but they missed a round of domestic action while in the Middle East and are now outside the top four ahead of Wednesday's trip to Everton.

Guardiola talked of a chapter being closed after Friday's 4-0 win against Fluminense that saw City add the world title to their domestic and European gongs. The Catalan has now won every available trophy during his time at the Etihad.

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But he wants to start writing new chapters immediately and no side has ever won four Premier League titles in a row, although after a run of just one win in six league games City are starting to be doubted. Guardiola is accepting of that but also rounded on those critics who have been focused only on results, insisting performances have remained to a high standard, while he also believes people are waiting for City to fail.

"This is the business. When you don't win you are nothing, zero. As much as you win they want you to fail more than ever. I've felt that since day one in Barcelona that people are waiting," he said.

"But what we have won, the titles, is