The Blues cruised into the next round with a thumping 5-0 victory, courtesy of five different goalscorers, as the home side continued our excellent start to 2019.
City have a 100% record in January from our seven games, netting an astonishing 30 goals in the process, as the Blues secured progression in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, in addition to closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool in the title race.
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Although Guardiola repeatedly dismisses talk of a ‘quadruple’, the Catalan boss expressed his delight for his side’s desire to succeed in every competition - evident in the merciless win over the Clarets.
“I am really pleased for the commitment,” he stated. “Especially with all the games in our legs and minds.
“Of course, we have to improve a few things but we made good movements and I’m satisfied to be in the next round and the draw on Monday.”
On City’s record-breaking recent goal gluts, Guardiola added: “I think all the clubs – everyone – play to score goals.
“Everyone wants to win and that’s why. We do it for the people but we have done it from the beginning, since we arrived here.
“Winning eight games in a row, this month has been good. I could say it’s because we played against lower league sides but it’s what we have to do.
“Everybody has played and we want to arrive in the last stages of the FA Cup and Champions League, and fight to the end in the Premier League and Carabao Cup. It’s the only way I understand.
“What these guys have done in the past 16 months is incredible. We will see wat happens in the next few games to see if we can catch Liverpool.
“We analyse game by game and everybody is ready.”
Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne continued his return from injury, producing a Man of the Match display, having claimed two assists in addition to his stunning long-range strike – his tenth goal from outside the box in all competitions since the beginning of last season.
Guardiola admitted the Belgian still needs minutes to regain his best form but is pleased with the playmaker’s recovery.
“It’s not easy when players have long injuries,” he said. “That’s why we tried to handle his minutes.
“Of course, we need him because he’s so clever and aggressive in his game. He helps a lot.”
Asked if he would relish or fear the prospect of a Manchester Derby in the FA Cup Fifth Round draw, Guardiola replied: “I can’t control the draw!
“It’s important to be in there. United have also won eight games in a row but I don’t know what the draw will be.
“Hopefully, we can go through.”
