“The mental state of my players is exceptional.”

City returned to winning ways with a 4-1 win over Bournemouth to move two points clear of leaders Arsenal.

But the vibrant atmosphere in the dressing room and on the training ground was what pleased the coach most.

“It’s important to win games again,” said Pep.

“I am very happy with what I see and what I see every day.”

“The mood in the dressing room is exceptional and the training sessions are very good – everyone helps each other.

“It’s difficult because we’ve played a lot of away games this month.

“No recovery, matches every three days and long trips, a lot of pressure and physical demands.

“Today coming here and performing like we did made me feel like we still wanted to try.

“We will try to fight for the Premier League, I have no doubts.”

Guardiola He was effusive in his praise of Phil’s man of the match Foden at his press conference on Friday, calling the 22-year-old a “diamond.”

He says his performance against Bournemouth showed how valuable he is to the team.

“No one can suspect an elephant,” he said.

“We still don’t forget that he is young, a young player and there are periods when you have injuries and he is not comfortable, but he is always there.”

“I’m sure this goal will help him and next Tuesday there will be another chance, everyone will help us because we have a lot of games.”

“They will all be important. You can’t do that with just 11 players.”

“If you have one game a week you don’t need to use so many players, but that’s not the case.”

“We’re lucky we’re still in three competitions now in February with a lot of big games coming up and every game we’re going to do everything we can to win it.”