The Spanish mentor argued that coming up against teams from different continents is what has always made the competition unique.

City were drawn alongside Juventus, Wydad Athletic Club, as well as Al Ain in Group G and have already progressed to the round of 16 with a game to spare.

Guardiola insisted that the tournament currently being staged in the United States of America is not “annoying” as some have suggested.

"I have a feeling that it is a privilege to be here, some people say it's annoying to be here, but it really is a privilege to be here because for the next four years, this competition is not going to happen again," said the serial winner.

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His statements were backed by a former City player and now coach of Bayern Munich in Vincent Kompany, who used their fixture against Argentinian powerhouse Boca Juniors, as an example.

"I had a long career, so I experienced a lot, and I love being a coach, but if there was one day I could choose to be a player again, it would be on a day like today, in a competition like this one," said the former Manchester City legend.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso also weighed in, having been positive from the beginning about the stage the Brazilians get to feature on.

"This competition is absolutely fantastic. What we want as a club, is that we fight for the right to be here in America.

"We also sought to develop ourselves, and being in a competition like this against the best in the world, it will ultimately lead to the growth of Mamelodi Sundowns," stated Cardoso.

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