Pep Guardiola insists he does not feel pressure compared to others around the world after inspiring his Manchester City to a 6-0 rout against Chelsea to regain top spot in the Premier League.
Sergio Aguero hit a hat-trick at the Etihad to move above Liverpool on goal difference having played a game more.
And after suffering a shock defeat to Newcastle, City’s title bid appeared to be crumbling, but Guardiola has dismissed any notion that his side felt pressure.
“Pressure doesn’t exist, my friend,” Guardiola insisted when asked about it on Sky Sports.
“All we can do is play like a team, if we don’t win, we’ll try again next season.
“We try to do our best, many troubles happen all around the world, here there is no pressure.”
Raheem Sterling also hit a brace at the Etihad, with Ilkay Gundogan also scoring, leaving Guardiola purring at his side’s display.
“We made an incredible performance against a top team,” Guardiola added.
“We want to play and we want to try, the players were outstanding, they [Chelsea] played and we defended deeper in the last minutes of the first half.
“People will underestimate Chelsea, the way they played, I know very well though, we’ll rest a little bit and prepare for the cup.”
Guardiola also moved to calm any tension with Maurizio Sarri, who appeared to refuse a handshake at the final whistle by walking straight down the tunnel.
“I spoke with Gianfranco [Zola] and he didn’t see me, so no problem,” Guardiola admitted.
