Lose to Reds and challenge is over: Pep
Pep Guardiola has suggested that it is win or bust for Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge ahead of Friday’s match against Liverpool after saying that it was “over” if his team dropped more points.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager went on to describe the situation as “almost impossible” if City had not beaten Southampton yesterday and hailed Liverpool, who have a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League, as perhaps the best team in world football.
Liverpool have also won two and drawn one of their past three headto-head meetings, and Guardiola does not expect them to now make many slips.
“We knew it,” he said, following the 3-1 win at St Mary’s. “In the position of Liverpool, we drop points, it’s over.
It’s finished. It would be almost impossible. Of course they’re going to drop points, but not too many. If we want to be there as far as possible until the end, we have to win games.
“The problem is the other team is fantastic. Maybe the best team in Europe or the world right now and in top form. You have to accept it.
“When Liverpool is seven points in front, it’s because they don’t lose a game, they don’t concede, they start in incredible form, top players, all together four or five years with Jurgen [Klopp].”
Liverpool were emphatic 5-1 winners against Arsenal on Sunday and are unbeaten this season in the league and on a run of nine straight victories.
City captain Vincent Kompany described Friday’s match as one that players “live for” and urged the Manchester City supporters to make the Etihad atmosphere intense.
“Our pride has been hurt over recent weeks but we have everything to play for — it depends on us,” said Kompany.
“Every living soul that comes into the stadium has to be ready to fight and give it to them, and we should be able to pull everything out of the locker for that game.”
Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt for the game after missing yesterday’s win through injury, but City were boosted by the return to the starting team of both Fernandinho and David Silva, who scored the first goal.
Guardiola also referenced the importance of the Manchester City crowd on Friday after what has been one of the most difficult months of his tenure at the club.
“It’s not easy after 100 points, what we have done, winning the Community Shield, and winning a lot of games,” he said. “I know the distance is big — seven points — especially because they are so solid and consistent.
“But it’s a game at home and hopefully the extra help from our people at the Etihad can come. I think in my heart, these people deserve it. What they have done the last 40, 50 months is incredible. It’s massive.”