Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rejected suggestions that his side have already effectively qualified for the group stages of the Champions League.

The Citizens are the overwhelming favourites to reach the Champions League proper having thrashed Steaua Bucuresti 5-0 in the away first leg last week.

City welcome Steaua to the Etihad Stadium for the return leg on Wednesday, but Guardiola warned his side against complacency heading into the tie.

"I have a lot of respect for the opponent and I know what happens in football. We play to try to win the game. I have seen many times in the Champions League – at half time an experienced team like AC Milan 3-0 ahead [in 2005] and the final is done. But Liverpool won the Champions League final. That Milan was Maldini, Cafu, more experienced guys," he told reporters.

"I have known we have a huge advantage. Our pre-season was focused to prepare the team especially for this game. I said to the players: 'Sorry guys, we aren't in the Champions League already.

"I don't like to play the game when people say it's easy and it's finished. No, a lot can happen. Maybe after 10 minutes there is a red card or a penalty. Anything can happen. So take it seriously and play the game."

Guardiola has won all three of his matches in charge of Man City so far, scoring 10 goals in the process.