Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed winning the treble last season “had an influence on us all” after his side’s dip in form.
City went into the international break after suffering rare back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and after being knocked out of the EFL Cup, results that would not usually be associated with the European champions.
After a 2-1 win against an in-form Brighton side on Saturday, Guardiola said: “The treble had an influence on all of us, me included.
“So now we need to be there, close, month by month, to arrive in the final decision moments at the end of the season close to the opponents to try it again.
“I said many times, no one has won four (Premier Leagues) in a row, never ever. That shows how difficult it is.
“But now it’s important to be there, especially in the Champions League, qualify for the next round in this period.
“After we can just focus on the Premier League. That is the target.”
Last season’s dominance also led to high expectations placed on Erling Haaland after the Norweigan scored 52 goals, making a three-game run without scoring any be considered a “drought.” His manager, however, is not concerned, as Haaland netted against the Seagulls.
“Yes, the expectations are so high, but he’s handled it really well.
“He knows he could have scored even more goals in the nine Premier League games we have played.”
