Pep Guardiola believes that Manchester City's attempts to win the Premier League title are getting harder each season.
The Citizens were pushed all the way by Arsenal in the title race last season but ultimately prevailed to clinch their third successive top-flight crown as well as lift the FA Cup and Champions League to win a historic treble.
Man City are looking to win a record fourth Premier League title in a row this season and a sixth under the tutelage of Guardiola, but the Catalan boss is wary of the improvements made by their rivals.
"Every season is tougher," Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday. "Compared to when I arrived, there are better managers and better teams.
"The important thing is we are close, and we are there. There are still 28 games to play, and a lot of things are going to happen. But we aim to keep getting better."
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Man City currently sit third in the Premier League table after accumulating 24 points from their opening 10 games, the same as second-placed Arsenal and two less than league leaders Tottenham Hotspur.
The Citizens have won back-to-back top-flight games since October's international break, with a 2-1 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion followed by last weekend's comfortable 3-0 triumph against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Reflecting on his side's victory over the Red Devils, Guardiola said: "It was not easy. It helped to score the second early in the second half, but it's never easy.
"We have a lot of respect for United. Nobody is away from this situation. We won because we played a good game, that's all."
Man City are now preparing for Saturday's home contest against Bournemouth, who claimed their first win of the season under new head coach Andoni Iraola when they beat Burnley 2-1 last weekend.
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Iraola, who spent three successful years in charge of Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, is still finding his feet in the English game with Bournemouth, who currently sit 17th in the table after 10 games.
Nevertheless, Guardiola is expecting a tough test for his Man City players on Saturday, saying: "After the first win they are confident. They competed well against Liverpool," he said.
"Andoni is incredibly well respected in Spain and did a great job at Rayo Vallecano, playing is an offensive, attractive way.
"[Bournemouth] have good spirit, competed really well against Liverpool [in a 2-1 EFL Cup loss on Wednesday], they do not sit back. Result gives confidence.
"He's had many years in different teams. He is so intelligent. I don't see anything will be different tomorrow."
Man City will be confident of success on Saturday as they have won all of their previous 12 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth, including a 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium last season.
Oliver Thomas
