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Pep Guardiola makes blunt Liverpool title admission - 'Now people might believe me'
Pep Guardiola has conceded that Manchester City's chances of holding onto the Premier League title will be dashed if it falls to Liverpool at Anfield next week. After a string of five defeats, City could find themselves eight points adrift of the top spot should Reds triumph over Southampton today.
Guardiola acknowledged the critical nature of the upcoming match, stating: "Yes. In terms of Liverpool winning, winning, winning it's true. I don't know what is going to happen, but the reality is here and we have to win games."
The City boss reflected on the team's recent struggles and the rarity of their victories at Anfield, saying: "People are saying it can't get worse — but it can get worse. The exceptional things we have done over the last eight years are not eternal. I said how difficult it was to do the things we have done — and now people might believe me."
Guardiola also touched on the team's current vulnerabilities: "We are a bit fragile right now, but we can't run away. We have to face it. I would like to say there is just one reason for losing three Premier League games in a row. There are many details that we have to fix."
In a crushing blow for City, James Maddison marked his 28th birthday with two goals against them, leading to City's worst home defeat since a 5-1 loss to Arsenal at Maine Road 21 years ago, with Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson adding to the scoreline, reports the Mirror.
Guardiola faces an unprecedented challenge as Manchester City's form took a nosedive. Following its loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Etihad side has not seen form like this since the days of Stuart Pearce in 2006.
Tottenham's gaffer Ange Postecoglou urged his squad to keep up their high standards after their impressive performance in Manchester, stating: "Today was about doubling down on our football principles. It's a significant win. City have got an unbelievable record here at home."
"It isn't something you can be blase about," he continued. "We have reached these standards before — now it's about not dropping. You don't come to a place like this believing it is going to be as convincing as it was for us.
"City test you in every footballing way possible. Defensively, working hard, being disciplined and playing football — and in all four areas we got to a strong level. We got back to our core beliefs as a team. We knew they would really come out because four defeats had all been away from home but we really grew into the game."
Birthday boy and man-of-the-match Maddison reflected on the memorable victory, saying: "That's a birthday I'll look back on quite fondly. To come here to the champions and perform like that and get the result. You have to cherish these ones, they don't come around often."
Liverpool.com says: The Reds simply have to take the chance that has presented itself. Nothing less than three points will be sufficient against Southampton and then there is a buffer ahead of next week's match. Arne Slot and his players must prove they can hold their nerve.
