Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed Chelsea are the best football team in the world, despite his side stretching their lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points.
City beat Brentford 2-0 at the Etihad on Wednesday night, hours after Thomas Tuchel's side booked their place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
A Romelu Lukaku goal was enough to beat Al Hilal in the semi-finals in the United Arab Emirates, giving Chelsea the chance to prove Guardiola right.
Palmeiras will be their opponents in the final as the Blues look to claim the Club World Cup crown for the first time in their history and add another trophy to their collection.
But, according to Guardiola, they are already one of the world's best - if not the best.
"We are not the best team in the world," the Spaniard said in his post-match interview. "The best team is Chelsea, who won the Champions League, or River Plate, who won in South America.
"The important thing is we won the game and in three days we go to Norwich and have to win again.
"This type of thing about who is the best, I don't care. Just be happy and try to play better every day."
Goals from Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne helped City stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 12 points, 13 ahead of the Blues.
While Tuchel boasted an impressive record against Guardiola in their opening battles, this season has seen the roles reversed.
In both of their clashes, City have got the better of the Blues, winning 1-0 at Stamford Bridge and the Etihad in what could prove decisive games in the title race.
Chelsea's Club World Cup final against Palmeiras will take place at 16:30 on Saturday afternoon and will be shown live on Channel 4.
