Man City boss Pep Guardiola speaks out on treble chances after fifth Prem title

Pep Guardiola says his “exceptional” Manchester City side have already made the whole world sit up and take notice. City stand on the brink of a treble with the FA Cup and Champions League finals to come.

But Guardiola insisted his side were already world beaters in his eyes and in the eyes of the football world.

“We had the feeling that we had done something exceptional. Of course, to win in the Champions League, we have to win in Europe otherwise people will say our time here was not complete,” he said.

“But at the same time just in case we are not able to do it against Inter or next year, it is unfair to say that what we have already done with five Premier League titles in six years is not extraordinary.

“Everybody in world football – players, managers, sporting directors – knows how exceptional it is. We won a lot but can’t deny that it can be unfair to have to win the Champions League to give value to what you’ve done.”

City are two games away from landing the treble with Manchester United and Inter Milan standing in their way and Guardiola urged his players to grab their shot at glory.

And captain Ilkay Gundogan insisted the players have the focus, energy and the togetherness to go down in history.

“Even though we all compete with each other, it feels like, when it comes to the crucial times, we are there for each other and we fight together.

“There are two more finals to go and my arms are ready to lift two more titles.”

City were officially crowned champions on Saturday when Arsenal were beaten 1-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Guardiola’s side still have two Premier League fixtures left to fulfil as they prepare for trips to Brighton and Brentford.

Yet it will be impossible for Guardiola to ignore the fact City’s season will be defined by their results in the FA Cup and Champions League final.

There were also signs that there could be some changes at City this summer after Aymeric Laporte broke down in tears on the field after the celebrations.

The Spaniard is expected to pursue a new challenge this summer after five-and-a-half years at City.

The Premier League champions are still hopeful they can entice Gundogan into signing a new contract.

He is believed to have been offered just a one-year extension by City while Barcelona are offering him a long-term deal.

Yet following Gundogan’s heroics in recent weeks, it appears City are prepared to offer him more than a one-year deal after altering their stance on negotiations.