Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has remarkably claimed it will take ten years for his side to match the stature of cross-town rivals Manchester United, according to theMirror.
The two sides are separated by just three points in the Premier League table following the Red Devils' recent upturn in form, but City's boss believes United's history puts them well ahead of his side and only a decade of sustained success will allow them to catch up.
United have won 20 domestic league titles compared to City's four - and half of City's league successes have come in the last five years. United also have three European crowns to their name, while City are still looking for their maiden title.
While the two clubs are of similar stature on the pitch and in current league football, Guardiola has admitted he still knows his club have lots of work to do both on and off the pitch in order to match up.
He said: We don't have the history with this shirt, of Barcelona, Juventus, Munich or Manchester United. Not their titles.
It's about being in Europe and over the next decade to be there [in the Champions League] every year. That's more important to this club than winning one title, believe me, more than that.
We have to convince people at this amazing club that they are good. They are good. And the fans as well.They have to believe they are good, the club is good, the players are good.�
City welcome United to the Etihad Stadium on February 26, with both clubs currently in the hunt for a place in the Premier League's top four.
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