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Manchester City need to copy the success of Juventus, Bayern Munich and Barcelona to confirm their greatness as a club, according to Pep Guardiola.

The City boss again played down talk of a quadruple this season after the 5-0 FA Cup fourth round victory over Burnley at the Etihad, but the Blues are now into the Carabao Cup final, the FA Cup fifth round, the Champions League last 16 and remain just four points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.

While Guardiola joked that every time he is asked about winning the quadruple his team exit a competition, he is pleased to see his side still fighting on four fronts heading into February.

City may have a fight on their hands to retain the Premier League title, but Guardiola believes winning silverware on a consistent basis - just like Juve, Bayern and Barca - is the only way to become a 'better club'.

"I've said many times. I know you are so generous and thank you so much guys, but every time you make that comment we lose a competition. I think you provoke me in that way," Guardiola said of winning the quadruple.

"It's important now that at the end of January we are still there. At the big clubs, that is the big difference.

"I've said many times: what are the best teams in the last decade? Juventus, Bayern Munich, Barcelona. These are the three best teams in Europe. Why? Because every season they win the league, every season they win the cups, every season they are there. Because they are the best.

"We can - not get close to them, because it's difficult - but imitate them. Being in the competition until the last stages. Sometimes you are lucky, sometimes not, but be there. That's what I want.

"Premier League, until the end. Carabao Cup final back-to-back? Chapeau, hats off to my players. Cup today, we win the game and get through. Prepare for Schalke.

"That is when you become a better team and a better club. The best teams have to imitate these three teams, not the other ones."

(Image: Getty Images)

City are looking to buck the trend in the Premier League by defending the title they won last season, with no side winning back-to-back championships since 2009.

The Blues could win the Carabao Cup for the second successive season next month when they face Chelsea in the Wembley final, but it's the consistency of winning big games and trophies season after season that is Guardiola's 'dream' for City.

"When I said Bayern Munich, Juventus, Barcelona are the best, it's because it doesn't matter what happened before, they go again," he said.

"That's the most difficult thing. Win one title, two titles, that can happen. But that consistency, every three days for 11 months during 10 years, that's what I respect and admire the most. That will be my dream. Every single game and competition we try to do that. And so far, we have done it."