Pep Guardiola has admitted he was surprised by the taunts he received from Liverpool fans during his Manchester City side’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

The Reds extended their lead at the top of the Premier League as they picked up a deserved 2-0 win over the defending champions, thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. Arne Slot’s side now sits nine points clear in the title race, having also extended their advantage over City to 11 points.

Guardiola’s misery continues, with his side now having lost six of their last seven games in all competitions, with their last win coming back on October 26. Their form has been so poor that Liverpool supporters subjected him to taunts of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ during the second half.

• Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Man City as Mohamed Salah and 3 more exceptional

• Pep Guardiola responds to brutal taunt from Liverpool fans as Man City woes continue

Guardiola responded by gesturing with six fingers, referencing the amount of league titles his side has won under his stewardship, although he admitted afterward to being taken aback by the reaction from the Anfield crowd.

"All the stadiums want to sack me, it started at Brighton!” Guardiola said. “Maybe they are right with the results we've been having.

“I didn't expect that at Anfield. They didn't do it at 1-0, but at 2-0. Maybe they should have sung it in the past. I didn't expect it from the people from Liverpool but it's fine, it's part of the game, and I understand completely. We've had incredible battles together. I have a respect for them."

Reflecting on his side’s latest performance, Guardiola added: "The first 15-20 minutes they were unstoppable, they started so strong, we tried to play with a lot of control and passes, but it was difficult to take it.

"They deserved the first goal, but we started the first half so well and played well in the second half without too much threat. I know how strong Liverpool are in both boxes.

"I congratulate them and we'll reset and start from zero and it is difficult to believe it. I rely a lot on these players, I know they are doing in this position. We'll see what happens by the end of the season.”

Guardiola and City now face a major fight if they are to catch Liverpool now, having slid down to fifth after their latest defeat. There were yet more frailties on show as the Reds dominated during the first half, with the City boss admitting the right team won.

“I congratulate Liverpool, they deserve the victory and we accept the situation right now and we'll build from that. We didn't have a pre-season and then injuries, but we know that and we have to survive with that. We competed but didn't create many chances.

"We don't have the pace in the middle right now and they are stronger in the duels and you have to survive with the ball. We're not good in transitions over 30-40 metres compared to them. We had to adapt and we did it. I cannot forget which players I have.

"I am here sitting as a manager and defending what we have done in the past thanks to them and more than ever I want to be with them and hug them. We have to change results and in the right time we will take the decision.”