Pep Guardiola is not sold on the idea that Manchester City are guaranteed success in the Champions League after securing top spot in the group with one game spare.
City are yet to win the Champions League despite being dominant in the Premier League, but this season may be seen as their best opportunity with Erling Haaland now added to their attacking ranks.
Guardiola hit back at claims that Liverpool's rivals should be doing better in the competition because of the money they have spent in the transfer - adding how difficult Europe's elite tournament is.
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City were beaten in the semi-final by eventual winners Real Madrid last season despite being in front going into the final stages of the second leg.
Guardiola said in his press conference on Friday: "People say we spend a lot of money so we have to win the Champions League. I'm sorry, it doesn't work. The other clubs spend a lot, it didn't happen. Not because one is better than the other one.
"Because we know, we try to understand to the players how difficult is everything. Right now to be two points behind the leader [in the Premier League] is so difficult. Is so complicated still there one more year close to the top of the league. One team have been better but being there.
"Now because we've won back-to-back Manchester City have to win by 20 points. It's bulls**t. It's not true, it's not the reality. Reality is Leicester is difficult, is here against Brighton. Against Graham Potter was difficult, Roberto De Zerbi was difficult. I saw a locker room of players after Brighton were exhausted. They did not even take the phones.
"Imagine how tired they were not having energy to open Instagram or the news. That's why I'm so happy to be in the next round and near the top of the league. Go to the break, after the World Cup start, I wouldn't say the real season, but together to finish the season."
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