Pep Guardiola praised the way his Manchester City team have dealt with adversity this season and claims many other clubs would have been much worse off had they encountered their issues this campaign.
City picked up a crucial comeback win over Crystal Palace to go fourth in the Premier League.
Guardiola’s side found themselves two goals down after Ebere Eze and then Chris Richards had scored but Kevin De Bruyne sparked a superb comeback with a free-kick to make it 2-1 before Omar Marmoush equalised.
City then steamrolled Palace in the second half, with goals from Mateo Kovacic, James McAtee and then Nico O’Reilly securing what eventually turned out to be a comfortable win for Guardiola’s side.
It means City find themselves in a strong position in the race for Champions League qualification with just six games remaining and Guardiola praised the way his team have handled setbacks this season.
He claimed: “The season we have done, other teams would be in positions 10 or 12. I promise you.
“With the incredible situations that we had this season, especially with the injuries and feeling a bit flat in many departments, (we should be) miles and miles way back. The Premier League speaks for itself about that.
“Okay, it’s not perfect but it’s in our hands for the last six games to qualify for the Champions League next season.”
De Bruyne played a pivotal role in the victory with a man of the match display.
The Belgian midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of this season after ten years and Guardiola says his performance showed that no one can replace what he has brought to the club.
“No one can do what Kevin has done,” he said.
“I don’t want to put pressure on the players we have now.
“He is a unique talent, everybody knows it. The vision, the passing. When Kevin has the ball, the players up front know they can run because the ball can be delivered.
“That’s why Kevin is the player in the history of this club who has won the most titles.”
