Tuesday 28 November 2017 23:20, UK
Pep Guardiola says a lead of eight points at the top of the Premier League is "absolutely nothing" and has called on his side to simply focus on the next game.
Manchester City have won 12 of 13 league games this season - 18 of 20 matches in all competitions - but Guardiola believes Sunday's narrow 2-1 victory over Huddersfield was an "amazing message" for his players.
On Wednesday, Manchester City entertain Southampton, who moved into the Premier League's top 10 with a 4-1 win over Everton on Sunday.
"The only way I know to deal with this situation is not to think too much in the future," Guardiola said.
"Stay as much as possible in the present, and think about Southampton, and know you still have about another 70 points to play for - so a lead of eight is absolutely nothing.
"And last Sunday was a difficult, difficult game. They didn't have one shot on target but took the lead with an own goal.
"That is football and that is an amazing message for the players. That is why football is unpredictable.
"So eight points in front, 70 to play, you have to stay calm, be happy with what you have done, and excited about what you can do.
"We will lose games, we will play bad, but complacency won't happen."
Guardiola praised the "courage" of David Silva, who remains a key member of City's squad after almost seven-and-a-half years at the club.
The 31-year-old Spaniard has appeared in all 13 of City's league games this season and Guardiola added: "He may be quiet but what a competitor. I admire him a lot.
"Like Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, and many other players, he's a legend at this club and hopefully will be here for a few more years.
"People talk about courage with players who jump the highest and make most tackles, but when in trouble they don't want the ball.
"But in the bad moments he steps forward and he's never injured, always ready for any game - that is the strong guy.
"He's not afraid to play, he wants the ball, and we have many players like that."
