Despite conceding that Manchester City will need to buy a prolific striker in the coming years to replace Sergio Aguero, Pep Guardiola insists he will not grumble about the star-studded roster at his disposal.
In the summer window, City's attempt to sign England captain Harry Kane was unsuccessful, with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy unwilling to let his prized forward leave.
Aguero, City's all-time leading goalscorer, moved for Barcelona at the end of last season and has yet to be replaced.
Instead, the Premier League champions shattered the English transfer record when they paid £100 million for Jack Grealish, adding to Guardiola's already impressive attacking midfield options.
So far this season, City has been feast or famine in front of goal without a number nine.
They scored five goals against Norwich and Arsenal, plus one more against Leipzig in their Champions League opening and Wycombe in the League Cup midweek.
They are three points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United, however, after failing to score in a 0-0 draw with Southampton last weekend and a 1-0 loss at Tottenham on the season's opening weekend.
Guardiola has dismissed allegations that he prefers to play without a central striker.
Guardiola remarked ahead of Saturday's match against Chelsea, "I always have strikers in my career."
"Strikers, like goalkeepers, are the most specialized position. For a few years here, I played with Samuel Eto'o, Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Mueller, and Sergio.
With Romelu Lukaku returning to Stamford Bridge and Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford, both Chelsea and United have added prolific goalscorers. Both players have four goals for their respective new clubs.
Guardiola does not expect any of his players to match the two highest scorers in Serie A last season on an individual level, but feels City can compete as a team.
For the past four seasons, City has been the Premier League's leading scorer.
"Strikers are strikers, but they're the hardest players to sign (from other clubs)," Guardiola added.
"In the next years, the team will require a striker. When something isn't possible, we go on with the amazing team we have."
With Romelu Lukaku returning to Stamford Bridge and Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford, both Chelsea and United have added prolific goalscorers. Both players have four goals for their respective new clubs.
