Guardiola still adjusting to English football - Clichy

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is still adjusting to English football, according to defender Gael Clichy.

Guardiola's men have won their last two matches against Watford and Arsenal, but still sit third in the Premier League and seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea ahead of their Boxing Day game at struggling Hull City.

Clichy hopes the recent victories – particularly the 2-1 home triumph over title rivals Arsenal – show City are turning the corner, but knows there is still much more to come from his side as their manager adapts.

"I don't think we are playing to the maximum of what we can be," Clichy said to Sky Sports.

"The manager is still adjusting to English football.

"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."

On the win over Arsenal last time out, Clichy added: "You often hear people say some games are six-point games.

"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.

"Of course, this time was a major one because we couldn't afford to drop points."

Clichy has enjoyed the challenge of working under Guardiola, who has deployed him in several positions since the start of the campaign.

He added: "It's one of those where again it's a learning curve.

"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."

After their trip to Hull, City are away to Liverpool on December 31, before hosting Burnley on January 2.