Players told: ‘Focus on Liverpool’

PEP Guardiola has told City’s players to forget about Alexis Sanchez and concentrate on their quadruple pursuit.

United have entered the race for the Arsenal striker, who has been a target for Guardiola for more than a year.

The City manager is determined to land the Chilean international this month – but his long-time rival Jose Mourinho is threatening to derail those plans.

But asked about Sanchez ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield, Guardiola insisted the Premier League leaders must ignore the headlines.

“They have two choices,” he said. “Follow what you say or follow me.

“Hopefully I’ll convince them to follow football on the pitch. Sunday is Liverpool – I want to focus on that,” he said. “Everyone knows the quality of Alexis – but it’s Liverpool. I’m sorry I can’t answer about Alexis and other players.”

Kevin de Bruyne spoke about Sanchez’ potential arrival this week – but Guardiola insists he is more concerned about matters on the pitch as City look to win at Anfield for the first time under Abu Dhabi rule.

“We have to choose which to focus on – and I want to focus on what we are doing on the field,” he added. “I would not like my players to listen, see and read the manager talking about other things. The important thing is what happens for 90 minutes on the pitch.”