Pep Guardiola insists Liverpool are still the biggest threat to Manchester City’s title ambitions ahead of their clash at Anfield on Sunday.
Guardiola was speaking at his pre–match press conference ahead of the trip to Merseyside where Manchester City will look to deal another blow to Jurgen Klopp’s side’s stuttering season.
An indifferent start has seen the Reds fall to tenth in the table – 13 points behind second-place City and a further point adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola, despite the large gap between them, is certain that they will prevail. Liverpool are capable of putting a run of wins together in hope of derailing City’s title bid.
When asked if Liverpool remained City’s biggest challenge, manager Guardiola replied: “They always have been. Yeah. Because I know their quality.
“If it was like this with ten games left I would say I don’t think they can catch us but now anything can happen.”
City have only won once in the ten most recent visits to Anfield in all competitions. Seven defeats and two draws were more important than a 4-1 win in 2021.
Guardiola says he still enjoys playing at Anfield, but he also admits that it is a great place to play and that his team has to perform well if they are to win.
“You have to behave at top top level, especially off the ball, for second balls, many many things. We are proud to be Anfield.
“It’s one of the biggest ones [games at Anfield], nicest ones, it’s a joy to be there and be a part of the game.
The Spaniard also pointed to his side’s consistency as the difference maker in getting over the line in the title race compared to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea who have ultimately missed out on the major prize.
“This is our biggest achievement as a team. All things can change. A few months ago Liverpool were competing for a prestigious situation in English football – four titles. They had more shots, possession, and everything in the league. [Champions League]Final and they lost.
“This is the same team, same manager, things can happen. It’s part of the nature of the competition. I don’t look at good moments or bad moments. I analyse as a team always expecting the best of them.”
Guardiola revealed that three players will miss Sunday’s trip including defender John Stones who is another week away from a return.
“All of them will be out,” Guardiola told reporters when quizzed on his injured trio. John, I think will be back I don’t know when maybe one week. Kalvin [Phillips]This is just the beginning. Kyle [Walker]It is still not available. I don’t know [if they’ll be ready for the World Cup].
Good news for City fans is that top scorer Erling Haaland is fit and ready for Sunday’s clash after being named as an unused substitute during Tuesday’s goalless draw at FC Copenhagen.
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