Pep Guardiola insists his Manchester City side’s Premier League 6-0 demolition of Chelsea was not as easy as it looked.
Sunday’s emphatic victory moved the champions back to the top of the league on goal difference, albeit with rivals Liverpool still having a game in on hand in the title race.
But after a hectic week in which City beat Arsenal and Everton too, Pep believes his manne will need some downtime before a busy rest of February.
After blowing the Blues away 4-0 inside 25 minutes, Pep says: “Yes. We played good, the first four times we arrived, we scored.
"Sergio [Aguero] made an incredible goal, but it wasn’t easy, we defended deeper like never before.
NOT RESTING ON HIS LAURELS: Pep Guardiola. Photo: DAVE THOMPSON/AP
“They had one chance but they caused problems and found the space.
“Six goals against Chelsea is not easy. Not just for today, but for Arsenal and Everton too. Now we can have two days rest and start preparing for Newport [in the FA Cup next Saturday].”
The FA Cup fifth-round clash will be followed by Champions League last-16 action at Schalke and a rematch with Chelsea in the League Cup on 24 February.
And Pep says there can be no slump in intensity, explaining: “One week ago we played Newcastle, remember?
“The final of League Cup, now it’s tougher as they [Chelsea] will react.
“We need to analyse the performance from today. Three games this week have been tough playing the way we play with this intensity and desire.
“The players were outstanding. I said to them thank you to them for what they’ve done.”