Guardiola wants more despite 5-0 win in league opener

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said his side would have to improve despite watching them kick off their title defense with a 5-0 win away to West Ham United on Saturday.

Bernardo Silva of Manchester City and Felipe Anderson of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on August 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. [Photo: IC]

Gabriel Jesus scored the first goal, before a Raheem Sterling hat-trick and a Kun Aguero penalty gave City an emphatic win in the London Stadium.

Speaking to the press after the game, Guardiola was asked if he was happy with the result.

"In terms of the result, yes," said Guardiola, who nevertheless said he was unhappy with aspects of the performance.

"In the first half we were sloppy with our passes, we were not precise. But that's normal. The first game, away, (it was a) 12:30 kick-off, hot. It's normal."

"In the second half, from the beginning we were better, more calm, more passes. After 3-0, the game was over," he commented.

The Manchester City coach was also asked about an incident in which Sterling had a goal ruled offside by the VAR, which is debuting in the Premier League this season.

"My only wish is that VAR does not make mistakes. If it is offside, it is offside. If it is hand, it is hand. My only concern is when VAR makes mistakes. But I think this will be more fair," he said.

Finally Guardiola was asked if his side could improve after their 15th consecutive win in the competition.

"We have to," he concluded.