Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City player, confirmed that the team has regained its balance this season and will compete strongly for all titles, noting that the current performance is not limited to cup competitions only but includes all tournaments, during the press conference before facing Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League.

During his talk with the media, Gvardiol responded to a question about whether knockout tournaments are easier for the team, saying: "I don't think we are performing very well, we are not playing alone, there are many good teams, and it is difficult to play away from home. We prefer to play at home, whether in the Champions League, the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, or the Premier League. We are mentally prepared for all matches, we want to show our best, and the season is still long, and we will be there. From now on, things will be easier."

Gvardiol also touched on the Premier League title race after Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Tottenham and their seven-point lead over City, affirming that the season is still at its beginning and all possibilities remain open.

He said: "Honestly, I don’t know. Two or three months ago, we were in a much worse position than now. There are many matches ahead, and we have to take them one by one, be mentally ready, and recover well. We will see what happens in the end. First, I am happy that everyone is healthy and available to play. We need the players; the coach needs everyone, especially when we play every three days."

He added: "The rhythm is very tough, but it is easier than last season. We still have a lot of work ahead. Every match is a priority, and that is why we play football. It doesn’t matter which competition; we want to win every match."

The Croatian star expressed his relief at overcoming the difficulties of last season, explaining: "It was the worst season I have had in my career so far. It was painful. I remember I couldn’t sleep at night. I was trying to help the team and the club get out of the situation we were in, but things didn’t go as we wanted. I am happy that all that is behind us and we have regained our strength. In football, I always say that having a new match every three days forces you to forget what happened. We all see that the situation at the club is very different and much better than last season."

Gvardiol also revealed his ambition to win the Champions League with Manchester City in the future, saying: "I am full of ambition, I am still young, and of course, I want to win the Champions League. We realize how difficult it is to win it, as all the best teams participate, but one day it will be great to be crowned with this trophy."