Pep Guardiola Taking a Cautious Approach Ahead of Pivotal Napoli Fixture

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has stressed the importance of not going into the Champions League clash against Napoli with a lackadaisical approach. City will go into the Champions League clash knowing that a win would qualify them from Group F, yet Guardiola is still wary of the threat that the Serie A leaders pose.

Pep Guardiola's men sit on top of the Premier League with a 5 point cushion over cross-town rivals Manchester United. With their comfortable 3-2 victory over West Brom last weekend, City are now on a 13 game win-streak in all competitions and are undefeated in their last 21 outings.

When speaking on the upcoming clash Guardiola stated: "We need one more win to qualify but we are going to the team that are leading Serie A and everybody knows the type of football they play in their own stadium so it's going to be very difficult, but it's a great opportunity for us to book our place and we're going to try our best to do it."

City's dominance in the league has led to Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, suggesting that City could be champions by as early as January. 

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However, Guardiola has dismissed such claims and when asked whether it would be unrealistic, the City boss stated: "Definitely. You are English - from a long time ago, did you see a champion in January? Me neither."

Guardiola seems to be taking every game as serious as the next to ensure that city do not become too comfortable at the top of the table.

Following the 3-2 victory over West Brom, Baggies boss Tony Pulis assured everyone that City cannot be considered title-holders, despite their form.

He said: "They are certainly one of the main contenders but it's a long season. They are in all the cup competitions. They've got to be fortunate with injuries and the bounce of the ball.

"We've given them a game. There will be a lot of teams they go away to who will do the same." 

Guardiola has shown the right attitude for City going forward, as no team can become too complacent, whether it be in the Premier League or Champions League, and Napoli will certainly be a formidable opponent.