The Citizens kick off their 2025-26 European campaign on Thursday evening, hosting Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
"Apparently we are not (one of the favourites). Enjoy the moment, the journey, we are happy to be here. In the past we have been (among the favourites),” he told the media.
“We have won just once. It is a lot for the difficulty (of the competition) and we just focus on tomorrow, the game we have to play."
As Manchester City prepare to return to the Champions League, many bookmakers rate Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal as having better chances of lifting Europe’s top club trophy.
La Liga powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona, along with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, are also seen as favourites ahead of City.