Pep Guardiola thinks it may be a blessing in disguise that Manchester City have not yet qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, as City thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 on Wednesday.
However, City's qualification from Group F is not certain as Lyon drew 2-2 with Hoffenheim. Guardiola's team will qualify for the last 16 if they win or draw in Lyon in their next Champions League match on 27th November.
"Unfortunately we haven't qualified, but we are so close and will try to maintain this level. Maybe it will help keep us focused," said Guardiola.
David Silva opened the scoring against Shakhtar before Jesus netted his first spot-kick when the referee awarded a penalty even though Raheem Sterling had contrived to trip himself up inside the area.
Shakhtar boss Paulo Fonseca later described the decision as "ridiculous" while Sterling apologised afterwards.
Sterling scored City's third goal and, after another Jesus penalty, Riyad Mahrez grabbed the fifth before Jesus completed his hat-trick with a deft chip.
Manchester City, 10/3 to win the Champions League this season, can be backed at 4/11 to beat Manchester United on Sunday with Sergio Aguero 4/7 to score at any time in the derby clash.
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Pep Guardiola thinks it may be a blessing in disguise that Manchester City have not yet qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Gabriel Jesus scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, as City thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 6-0 on Wednesday.
However, City's qualification from Group F is not certain as Lyon drew 2-2 with Hoffenheim. Guardiola's team will qualify for the last 16 if they win or draw in Lyon in their next Champions League match on 27th November.
"Unfortunately we haven't qualified, but we are so close and will try to maintain this level. Maybe it will help keep us focused," said Guardiola.
David Silva opened the scoring against Shakhtar before Jesus netted his first spot-kick when the referee awarded a penalty even though Raheem Sterling had contrived to trip himself up inside the area.
Shakhtar boss Paulo Fonseca later described the decision as "ridiculous" while Sterling apologised afterwards.
Sterling scored City's third goal and, after another Jesus penalty, Riyad Mahrez grabbed the fifth before Jesus completed his hat-trick with a deft chip.
Manchester City, 10/3 to win the Champions League this season, can be backed at 4/11 to beat Manchester United on Sunday with Sergio Aguero 4/7 to score at any time in the derby clash.
Source: bet365.com