PUBLIC ENEMY
Pep: Everyone wants Reds to beat us
MAN CITY ................... 5 NEWCASTLE UTD .... 0 DAVID McDONNELL AT
ETIHAD STADIUM PEP GUARDIOLA reckons everyone wants Liverpool to win the Premier League title at the expense of his rampant Manchester City side.
City returned to the top with a five-star demolition of Newcastle yesterday afternoon.
But Guardiola says his players must not only beat Quad-chasing Liverpool to be crowned champions but the favouritism towards them.
And the Etihad gaffer also could not resist a dig at Liverpool’s record of winning a solitary league title in the last three decades.
“Everyone in this country supports Liverpool because Liverpool have an incredible history in European competition,” said Guardiola, whose side are now three points clear at the summit.
“But it’s not so good in the Premier League – because they’ve only won one title in 30 years.
“Liverpool, alongside Manchester United, are the most famous team in history in terms of titles, legacy, history, and drama - for many, many things.
“But we are, for the last 10, 11, 12 years, coming there.
“I know we’re sometimes uncomfortable but I don’t care. The people want Liverpool to win more than us. It’s not an issue. It’s normal.
“Maybe they have more supporters around the world and in England more support Liverpool than us.”
City bounced back from their pain in Spain and their Champions League semi-final collapse in Madrid in style.
Raheem Sterling scored twice, with further goals from Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden giving City a comfortable win, which increased their goal difference to four over Liverpool.
But it wasn’t all good news with a defensive crisis looming for the run-in.
Ruben Dias was crocked and joins Kyle Walker and John Stones in missing the remainder of the season.
With Nathan Ake also struggling with an ankle injury, one of midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri are set to become makeshift centre backs.
“We need nine points or maybe six right now,” added Guardiola. “But now, Wednesday at Wolves is the real final for us. Our destiny is in our hands.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “City can do that to anybody, they’re that good. We can’t be too negative, we should use it as a lesson to come back next season stronger.”