Pep Guardiola was pleased with Manchester City’s response as they bounced back from their weekend hammering to brush off Burnley 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.

City slumped to a 5-2 loss at the hands of Leicester on Sunday – the first time a Guardiola side has conceded five goals in the Spaniard’s glittering managerial career – but it was a different story at Turf Moor.

Guardiola named a strong side and saw them ease into the quarter-finals of a competition they are bidding to win for a fourth successive season with two goals from Raheem Sterling and another from Ferran Torres.

Guardiola said: “For the rhythm, these players wanted to play. It was a good response, this competition is special for us, the Carabao Cup. After our result (on Sunday) it was important.”

Guardiola also praised Sterling, who spent most of the game in a central attacking role, and could easily have had a hat-trick but for a fine display by Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

With Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus out injured, it was a performance that impressed Guardiola.

He said: “Yes we are without strikers. Wherever he plays – winger, striker – I’m incredibly delighted and happy.

“When I arrived I was convinced he had incredible qualities and could play every three days, with his recovery and mentality to improve. He is a fantastic guy and a fantastic footballer.

“He’s improved a lot since we arrived. He played really well. His finishing – he knows he can do it more but I think he grew up a lot. It’s important for the team with all the problems we have have up front.”