Pep Guardiola looks ahead to Champions League Round of 16 vs AS Monaco

After Manchester City defeated Swansea City on a tough Premier League match on Sunday, a journalist asked Pep Guardiola whether or not he watched AS Monaco’s recent French League victory over OGC Nice.

He said he had been too focused on Swansea during the week, but he recognized Monaco’s quality.

“My impression [of them]? They are strong. They are physical. They score a lot of goals.”

City’s quality has surged just at the right time. As the Premier League campaign enters a crucial phase and Champions League matches loom later this month, the fitness and preparation of the Citizens will surely be tested.

One major benefit to the Sky Blues' form has been the strengthening of their defensive capabilities. While every Premier League team offers a host of challenges, the European field and the clubs at the top in England will require City’s absolute best. Monaco are the highest scoring team in Europe this season, and they will test City's defense like no other team has done it so far.

Guardiola watched his next Champions League opponents live when he went to France and watched them face Paris Saint-Germain, and Pep joked that Monaco's physical style could require City to take additional measures.

“Maybe in these next weeks we will go to the gym.”