Pep Guardiola believes Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish can ‘do more’ for Manchester City

Pep Guardiola has called on Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish to step up for Manchester City in the weeks ahead.

Consistency has, unusually, been a problem for City during large parts of this season, though there have been signs in recent weeks that the Premier League champions are beginning to click into gear.

De Bruyne and Grealish were both on the scoresheet at the Emirates on Wednesday night as City moved to the top of the table with a statement win over Arsenal, who had been leading the way since August.

However, despite both impressing in north London, Guardiola believes there is even more to come.

“I am so pleased for everyone, but I want more,” Guardiola told reporters. “I still have the feeling that Kevin can do more and Jack can do more.

“They can do better - that would be the best word. I know the demand we will have ahead of us to the end of the season against tough and aggressive opponents. We need the players who have the feeling that we can do better.”

Grealish has started all six matches for City since coming off the bench to score in the Manchester derby last month, putting together his best run since joining the club for £100million in 2021.

Guardiola praised the winger for increasingly having the confidence to take risks, though as ever it came with a demand that Grealish must maintain his form.

“Obviously he is playing really good,” Guardiola said.

“It is not just about his quality, but his ambition and aggression to beat people and attack the back line.

“The quality has always been there, but now he shows a commitment to taking a risk, but he has to continue.”