Despite the gap, Guardiola praised his team’s effort, emphasizing their hunger and intensity. He admitted City’s priority is now securing a top-four finish amid tough competition from clubs like Newcastle and Aston Villa.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remained tight-lipped on Liverpool’s Premier League title prospects after his side’s 2-0 defeat to the Reds on Sunday, a result that left City 20 points adrift of the league leaders.
Liverpool’s clinical victory at the Etihad strengthened their grip at the top of the table, leaving Guardiola’s side battling to secure a Champions League spot rather than chasing a fourth consecutive title. When asked whether Liverpool were now champions-elect, Guardiola refused to be drawn into speculation.
How many points advantage for them over Arsenal? It’s a lot. How many games have they lost?” Guardiola said, referencing Liverpool’s commanding position. When pressed further, he added: “I didn’t say yes.”
Despite the defeat, Guardiola defended his players’ effort and dismissed suggestions that City’s struggles stem from a lack of desire.
“If it doesn’t happen, it’s because we were not good enough, not because of a lack of hunger and desire,” he insisted. “We saw it against Newcastle (a 4-0 win last weekend) and we saw it again today.”
The loss to Liverpool highlighted City’s turbulent season, but Guardiola praised his team’s intensity and work rate in recent matches.
“The pace today, the rhythm, the pressing, the solidarity for most of them playing in difficult positions, I approve it and it was really good,” he said.
With the title seemingly slipping out of reach, City’s immediate focus now turns to maintaining their fourth-place position. Guardiola acknowledged the fierce competition, with teams like Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa pushing for European qualification.
“It is so tight with four or five teams, and Nottingham, Newcastle, Aston Villa are so good,” he noted.
As the season heads into its final stretch, City face a tough challenge to salvage their campaign — not as reigning champions, but as a side fighting to secure a spot among Europe’s elite.
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