PEP TELLS CITY TO GUARD AGAINST COMPLACENCY

Champions League for the first time in next week’s final – but Guardiola said there are no favourites, especially with star striker Sergio Aguero sidelined through injury.

“Of course it was so important to beat the kings of this competition but in one game anything can happen,” he said. “I think in this competition there are no favourites.

“Every single game is a final, but we are ready and we will do our best to go through. In England, when you play in the FA Cup or the Carabao Cup it is just one game.

“So our players are used to these games. There is no second chance. You are in or you’re out.”

With Aguero undergoing rehabilitation following a knee operation, City have been stripped of their record goalscorer. Jesus will lead Guardiola’s attack against a Lyon team that took four points off them in the group stages last season, when Aymeric Laporte (below) scored in a 2-2 draw in France after Lyon had recorded a shock 2-1 win at the Etihad.

Though City are strong favourites to qualify for the last four, Guardiola is taking absolutely nothing for granted.

The Spaniard said: “I don’t expect that it will be one side on top for 90 minutes. There will be moments when we have to suffer. “There are moments we will control and there will be moments when they attack and we have to defend deep. We have to be strong in our minds and try to carry out our plan. These games are about mentality and spirit – and I think my players are ready.”