Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola wants his side to reach the 100-goal landmark to conclude their Premier League season - which would mean scoring three against Norwich City on Sunday.
Guardiola is hopeful his side can achieve the feat as they prepare for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid in two weeks time.
Daniel Farke’s side beat Manchester City 3-2 at Carrow Road in September, a defeat that displayed the then-champions’ inconsistency, according to their boss.
“We lost there, that game showed our inconsistency this season. The last game was first time we won four (PL) games in a row. Last season we did 14, the year before that 18. We’ve not been consistent.
“It’s nice to score goals, the way a team can show, but it’s not been enough (this year),” Guardiola added. “We are 18 points behind Liverpool. Every game there (has to be) a target, desire to win the game and scoring 100 goals is one of the reasons why.
“I gave two days (off) because we had a tight period after lockdown, with games every two or three days. We don’t play for anything and neither do Norwich except to respect [the competition].
“If we had played against an opponent who was playing to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League or to avoid relegation, maybe I wouldn’t have given two days.”
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is keen to remember the bigger picture and insists that Manchester City’s priority remains the focus - with tomorrow’s game seen as part of their preparation.
“The way they play against Norwich and the way they train, I will be paying attention for how they play against Madrid,” said Guardiola.
“Every day will be an exam for me as to whether they are ready to play this game.”
Guardiola has hinted Sergio Aguero may have a chance of playing, having been sidelined since suffering a knee injury that required surgery in the 5-0 Premier League win over Burnley on June 22.
Kevin De Bruyne will go into the game needing one more assist to match Thierry Henry’s single-season record in the competition of 20.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here