Saturday 24 December 2016 09:39, UK
Gael Clichy insists the best is yet to come as Manchester City continue to adapt to Pep Guardiola's methods and the Spaniard adapts to the Premier League.
City made a flawless start to life under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich head coach, winning their first 10 games in all competitions.
Guardiola's transition to English football then hit several stumbling blocks, with City winning just four of their subsequent 15 fixtures.
They have since returned to winning ways though, building up to a busy festive schedule with encouraging victories over Watford and Arsenal.
However, while acknowledging the importance of beating the Hornets and his former club, Clichy believes only time will tell if City have overcome their stutter.
"You often hear people say some games are six-point games," the left-back told Sky Sports.
"Of course, winning does bring you back to the team in front of you and you're not dropping from the first team, which is Chelsea.
"Any time of the season playing against Arsenal is a massive game and you want to win, to win for the fans, to win for you because you play against one of the best teams in England and of course, this time was a major one because we couldn't afford to drop points.
"We will have to wait and see (if we have turned the corner). We do believe that, since the Watford game, something has changed but we realise that sometimes you are not going to win the game 5-0 or 6-0 and having the possession is good, but it's not enough.
"I don't think we are playing to the maximum of what we can be. The manager is still adjusting to English football."
Guardiola has turned to Clichy 17 times this season, with the Frenchman asked to fill a number of different roles in the City boss' experimental team selections.
It's a challenge Clichy has embraced, described working under Guardiola as part honour, part learning curve.
"It's one of those where again it's a learning curve," the 31-year-old added. "You find yourself in a position you have never been before. Centre-back, three at the back, a wing-back, in midfield.
"It's an honour to be working with him because he teaches you the way he sees football and eventually when you watch a football game, you start to believe in this and see why he wants you to do this and where he's coming from."
Catch the full interview with Gael Clichy on Boxing Day's edition of Soccer Special, followed by live coverage of Hull v Man City, 5.15pm, Sky Sports 1 HD. Sky Q 2TB customers can watch the game in Ultra HD. Visit www.skysports.com/uhd for details.
