To humble? Pep Guardiola has thanked Maurizio Sarri for his kind words but dismissed the idea that his Manchester City side are the best in Europe.
The Citizens face Chelsea at the weekend hoping to continue their impressive unbeaten start to the season that sees them two points clear of nearest challengers Liverpool in the Premier League.
And ahead of the fixture, Sarri called City the best side in Europe – but that was something Guardiola was keen to distance himself from.
“Thank you but we are not the best,” Guardiola said.
“To be the best you have to win the titles. We have not won the titles to be the best team in Europe.”
On the job Sarri has done at Chelsea, Guardiola added: “The job he has done so far, from my point of view, is excellent,” said Guardiola.
“Some people do not know how difficult it is to create a special way to play. You need time.
“Maybe they are not playing 90 minutes but when they play good for 50, 60, 70, 75 minutes they are excellent.”