Pep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City squad to ensure Liverpool earns the Premier League title if City are unable to defend their crown this season. City, who have won the league for the past four years in a row, find themselves eight points behind Liverpool as they prepare for Sunday’s crucial clash at Anfield. The Reds are now favorites to win the title, but Guardiola is determined that City do not hand it to them easily.
Acknowledging the team’s recent struggles, including five consecutive defeats, Guardiola urged his players to remain committed. “By our standards, it will be a bad season if we lose. We come from the top, so the only way is down if we don’t succeed,” he admitted. However, he added, “We are defending a legacy, tradition, and success, which is never easy. If we don’t win, we must ensure the crown is taken from us because the other team deserves it—not because we gave it away.”
City are also facing challenges in Europe, with a crucial Champions League fixture against Feyenoord at the Etihad Stadium on the horizon. Guardiola emphasized the need for victory, as City will need positive results in tough away games against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain to secure a top-eight finish and avoid a play-off round in February.
Despite his worst run as a manager, including a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham, Guardiola is adamant about sticking to his proven methods. He highlighted City’s history of success under his leadership, which includes 18 trophies in eight years, and expressed confidence that a return to winning ways is imminent. “What should I change? We believe in the process and our principles. Injuries have hurt us, but when players are back, and one good result comes, the momentum will shift.”
Guardiola also reflected on City’s performance against Spurs, noting that they dominated with 26 shots and higher expected goals but failed in key defensive moments. “One day we’ll win a game, and everything will click again. The desire is there. Whether it’s Tuesday against Feyenoord or Sunday against Liverpool, we will try,” he concluded.
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