Pep Guardiola expressed on Tuesday that clinching the Champions League is becoming increasingly challenging, even as he sets his sights on securing a second consecutive treble with his dominant Manchester City squad.
City, the reigning champions unbeaten in 19 games across all competitions, are poised to face Copenhagen in the second leg of their last-16 clash at the Etihad on Wednesday, holding a comfortable 3-1 lead.
Their recent victory over Manchester United propelled them within a single point of Premier League leaders Liverpool, and they have also advanced to the FA Cup quarterfinals, where they will square off against Newcastle.
However, Guardiola downplayed any talk of replicating the heroics from the previous season during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
"It's preferable to be here having already secured the Champions League, but as I mentioned, the treble season is finished," he stated. "The sole objective is to attempt qualification for the quarterfinals tomorrow. We are far from discussing these matters. Last season, we refrained from talking until we secured the final against United in the FA Cup, and here we are at the beginning of March."
Guardiola, a two-time Champions League winner as Barcelona manager in 2009 and 2011, acknowledged that the competition has become more formidable.
"It's becoming better and more challenging," he remarked. "In my initial years at Barcelona, I had the feeling that reaching the semi-finals was achievable. Now, reaching the semi-finals is exceptionally difficult. The quality of teams and managers has improved.
Everything is even more challenging than it was when I was a football player. However, in the end, the superior teams always advance."
While recognising the historic significance of City's first-ever Champions League triumph last season, Guardiola refused to diminish his achievements with Barcelona.
"No, I wouldn't say that, as it would undermine what we accomplished in Barcelona," he emphasized. "I don't want that, as it was truly commendable. I am not asserting that one prize is superior to the others. Every moment is distinct. Whether it was Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or here, each title you secure is unique. It's not guaranteed. It's not because it's easy. Every step you take is so intricate... you need to excel in the right moments, mentally, physically, and in skills, game plans, and numerous other aspects, including luck at the opportune moments."
