Pep Guardiola shone a spotlight on City’s insatiable work ethic in the wake of Wednesday’s 5-0 Champions League Group G win over FC Copenhagen, describing it as a ‘magnificent performance.’

City made it three wins out of three in the Champions League at the Etihad with Erling Haaland claiming a first half brace and Copenhagen also conceding an own goal.

An emphatic victory was then sealed after the break with Riyad Mahrez marking his 200th City appearance by converting a penalty and Julian Alvarez then rounding things off.

Reflecting on the win, Guardiola was at pains to compliment City’s mindset and application– especially coming hard on the heels of Sunday’s 6-3 derby success against Manchester United.

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“Tonight we see the reasons why the last years have been successful for this club,” the City manager asserted.

“After United, we were able to be humble enough to respect the opponent. This is the secret of this game.

“It was the work ethic. Yesterday we trained for 20 minutes and everyone was focused and paid attention.

SQUAD GOALS: It was another excellent display by Pep Guardiola's side
SQUAD GOALS: It was another excellent display by Pep Guardiola's side

“This is the reason why this season and seasons before with different players, every three days we are there.

“This is the biggest title we can get. Beyond the Premier League, Champions League… everything. This is the best.

“We played really well, the performance beyond the result was magnificent.”

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In a further boost, Aymeric Laporte came into the heart of the defence to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from a knee injury while teenager Rico Lewis was brought on in the second half to make his Champions League bow .

However, the boss also confirmed that full-back Kyle Walker faced a spell on the side-lines due to the abdominal injury that forced him off in the derby.

Asked how long the England international would be out, Guardiola said: “A while. I don’t know exactly but weeks.

HIGH FIVES: Julian Alvarez's goal rounded off a fine night's work
HIGH FIVES: Julian Alvarez's goal rounded off a fine night's work

“(It’s) Abdominal. It will be for a while.”

Pressed whether there was a potential worry about whether Walker could be a doubt for the World Cip finals, the boss added: “I don’t know. I can’t say anything else.

“Kyle will be a little bit out. Hopefully he can get it of course like Kalvin (Phillips), I know how important the World Cup is.”