Pep Guardiola has given his honest assessment of Everton as he prepares to bring his side to Goodison Park this weekend.
The Premier League champions travel to Merseyside looking to extend their lead at the top of the table and bounce back from defeat last time out against Spurs.
The Blues, meanwhile, have struggled throughout the campaign and have had mixed fortunes since the arrival of Frank Lampard.
The former Chelsea and Derby County boss took over from Rafa Benitez after the Spaniard was sacked in January following a string of poor results and performances from the side.
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Guardiola wouldn't be drawn on comparing Everton's managers over the course of the season, and he's not expecting an easy game for his side this weekend.
The Man City boss also claimed that he has no idea why the Blues are in the position that they currently find themselves in the Premier League..
He told his pre-match press conference: "Sometimes when you make that comment you lose respect for the guy not there.
"I try to look at their strong points, saying good words for Frank, to say bad words for Rafa is not my intention.
"They have good players, invest a lot in the last years. They are fighting for being where they should be from the history.
"It will be tough at Goodison Park for the environment and stadium but I have full confidence in these players. I don't have an alternative.
"Everyone in the world would think they wouldn't be in that position. I'm not there to know the reason why."
