Hammers are potent fourth

PEP GUARDIOLA regards West Ham as serious contenders for a Champions League place as they put their credentials on the line at the Etihad today.

No club from outside the Big Six has qualified for Europe’s premier competition since Leicester in 2016 but David Moyes’ team are currently fourth as they face a Manchester City side buoyant from their midweek win against PSG.

‘What they are doing so far, they have a chance,’ said Guardiola about West Ham’s prospects.

‘It’s tough because the Premier League is really good, all four teams have qualified for the next round of the Champions League.

‘But it’s a fact that West Ham are really good as well, it’s not something that might happen, it’s reality

‘They have had an incredible season, not just this season but the previous season as well. It’s not a secret.

‘As long as Man City are there, it doesn’t matter to me who else is there in the Champions League.

‘Whoever finishes in the top four fully deserves it.

‘In the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, League, you can have one bad day but in the Premier League, the winner fully deserves it and the top four deserve it whether you think it’s good or bad.

‘In a league season you play every game, deal with injuries, go through good moments, bad moments, good weather, bad weather, refereeing decisions.’

City have bounced back from a surprising home defeat against Crystal Palace a month ago by winning four in a row.

The comeback win against PSG was even more impressive due to the absences of Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.

De Bruyne is ruled out again today as he continues to recover from Covid. Even so, Guardiola quipped that the next generation should still try to emulate the flair players rather than his dependable defenders.

‘I would say to the kids, try to imitate Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling because they earn more money than a full-back and a keeper,’ he said with a smile.

Guardiola is already eyeing a January break in Abu Dhabi so his squad can recharge the batteries. City have done the trip before. ‘There are many reasons; the weather, change the routine and get out a little bit, the good environment.

‘(It’s) close to the chairman and the people there to spend time together and have dinners. At the pool a little bit, sun.

‘But we are not going on holiday. We are also going there to work.’

Guardiola, who has always said he’d fancy international management when he’s older, has ruled out ever taking another Premier League job in England.

‘I don’t think I will train another club in England apart from this one,’ he stated.