Pep Guardiola has lauded Manchester City's achievements in clinching another Premier League title while acknowledging that winning the UEFA Champions League is necessary for them to be regarded among the all-time great teams.
Manchester City secured their third Premier League title in a row, and their fifth in six years, thanks to Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Guardiola described the achievement as "exceptional" but emphasised the need to win the Champions League, with the upcoming final against Inter on June 10th providing City with an opportunity to claim their first-ever Champions League title.
"A fifth Premier League title in six years, seven in 12. I couldn't have imagined winning five out of six. I believe we have done something exceptional. It's truly extraordinary, and people recognise the magnitude of our success.
"To be considered one of the greatest, we have to win the Champions League. Winning in Europe, the Champions League, is necessary to be compared to teams like Manchester United or Liverpool. But it's also unfair to dismiss the importance of the Premier League if we don't win it.
"Sometimes training under this pressure is so fulfilling. It's necessary. We constantly remind ourselves that we have to do it. If the club continues on this path, sooner or later, we will achieve it. But for now, we must make every effort."
Guardiola lifted the European trophy twice as manager during his time at Barcelona.
Additionally, the club are preparing for the FA Cup final against city rivals Manchester United, aiming to achieve a historic treble.
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The Man City manager also praised Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager and his former assistant, for leading Arsenal's strong campaign, acknowledging the challenge they posed during the title race.
"With the relationship I have with Mikel, congratulations for what they've done. He's brought them back to what Arsenal was in the past. It's a similar battle to Liverpool in previous seasons; they took us to our limits.
"There's a tendency to underestimate them. They are winners. They pushed us, and they are an exceptional team. They should be proud of their journey. They need to maintain their performance, and they will continue to challenge us."
