Having struggled with injury for much of last season, the 26-year-old delivered excellent back-to-back displays in the wins over Olympiakos and Burnley.
And the boss says he wants more from a player whose quality has never been questioned.
“It’s what he wants, what we want [a sustained run of form],” he said.
“He was injured last season and could not have continuity.
But I want more too - I don’t just want two good games, I want more. He can do it, he did it in the past.
“First step is to have this continuity, train every day and play every three days.
“We know the quality he has, there are no doubts about that.
“It’s not about the quality. The quality is always there - if not he would not be here - it’s about how you perform today, right now. Statistics is the past. It’s about how you perform.
“That is the point - everyone has to be ready.”
Watch the second part of Pep’s press conference via the video above!
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO WATCH EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
We will have full coverage of Saturday’s game right here on ManCity.com.
Our Matchday Centre will get under way at 1pm, with text updates throughout the evening meaning you won’t miss a beat.
Our We’re Not Really Here live matchday show starts at 2pm, with Shaun Wright-Phillips, Shaun Goater and Michael Brown all joining us in the studio.
And CITY+ subscribers can enjoy a full 90-minute replay from midnight.
Enjoy your first month of CITY+ free of charge. After that, CITY+ costs £1.99 a month.