Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes will be all but over if his side loses to Liverpool next weekend. The defending champions are currently in the midst of a five-game losing streak, following their heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
According to ESPN, Guardiola acknowledged that City are far from their best form, and if they fail to get a result against Jurgen Slot’s Liverpool, they will be in serious trouble.
Speaking after the loss to Tottenham, Guardiola said, “Yeah, it’s true,” Guardiola said, as reported by ESPN, when asked if the title race would be over if City lose to Liverpool.
He continued: “We’re not thinking about winning or losing (the title), we are not in the situation to think about what is going to happen at the end of the season. If in the end we don’t win it, it’s because we don’t deserve it. We won it in the past because we deserved it.”
With Liverpool currently leading the Premier League, a win against Southampton on Sunday would extend their advantage to eight points over Manchester City, placing Guardiola’s side under immense pressure. If City lose to Liverpool next week, who would then lead by 11 points, their title hopes would be severely diminished, despite being less than halfway through the season.
Guardiola added, “What we have to do now is [beat] Feyenoord. That is the most important thing — first for the qualification for the CL [Champions League] — and step by step the players will be better.” Guardiola’s comments indicate that, despite the title being in jeopardy, he is focusing on immediate priorities, such as securing Champions League qualification, which remains a critical goal.
The current injury crisis at Manchester City is adding to the manager’s concerns, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s absence from midfield being particularly damaging. Additionally, key players such as Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne have all been sidelined for varying lengths of time, further hampering City’s chances in the league.
With Anfield set to host City next weekend, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, have been in impressive form this season and are primed to extend their lead. A win for the Reds would send shockwaves through the Premier League title race, leaving City with an uphill battle to reclaim the top spot.
As Guardiola and his players prepare for the upcoming fixtures, including the Champions League clash with Feyenoord, one question remains: Can Manchester City recover from their recent struggles, or is their title challenge already slipping away?
