Pep Guardiola boosted his Manchester City side's 3-1 win over Everton and believes there will be more „surprises” in the title race.
This will be City's first Premier League match since being crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners in Saudi Arabia.
„It's a big game for us to come back from Saudi Arabia as world champions,” Guardiola said.
„It proved once again how special this group of players is and the spirit that is in our bones.”
Guardiola was impressed as his side shifted focus from the Club World Cup to the challenge of retaining the Premier League title, securing only their second win in six Premier League matches.
„I remember flying back from Saudi Arabia and we were world champions and I heard the players talking,” he said. „They didn't know I was listening and they started talking about Everton. I said, 'Wow, this is my team.'
“I have a feeling they need to try harder. We've been playing a lot of games this season and people are saying we're not the same.
„We've lost one of the last 12 or 13. Aston Villa were miles better, but we've been better in others. We don't talk enough about how good we are.
The win moves City back into the top four, five points adrift of leaders Liverpool with a game to play, and Guardiola predicts more twists and turns in the remaining five months of the season.
„We want to be there,” he said. „I know we are not at the top of the league, but a lot of things are going to happen. There will be a lot of surprises, the thing should be.”
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