SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 8 hrs 8 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
MC
Premier League | Gameweek 21
Jan 3, 2019 at 8pm UK
 
LL

2-1

Aguero (40'), Sane (72')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Firmino (64')

Guardiola sees Liverpool clash as opportunity to close gap

:Headline: Guardiola sees Liverpool clash as opportunity to close gap: ID:345782: from db_amp
City boss upbeat despite the club's recent struggles.

Pep Guardiola views Manchester City's crunch clash with Liverpool solely as an opportunity to revive their Premier League title defence.

The champions would fall 10 points behind Jurgen Klopp's leaders if the Reds win Thursday's eagerly-anticipated encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Questions are being asked of City after they suffered three defeats in the space of four games in December but Guardiola is not entertaining the prospect of another loss.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is upbeat ahead of the visit of Premier League leaders Liverpool (Adam Davy/PA)

Guardiola said: "The reality is clear, we are seven points down. I have the feeling it is a big opportunity for us to reduce the gap.

"We are going to focus on what we have to do to win the game. Everyone is talking if we lose, but what happens if we win? We are going to try to make our game and to fight as far as possible for our chance to win the Premier League."

While City have stuttered in recent weeks, Liverpool have been in fine form, winning their last nine games. They thrashed Arsenal 5-1 in their last outing and Guardiola claims City are the underdogs.

Manchester City have not been in good form recently and were defeated at Leicester (Nick Potts/PA)

He said: "It is Liverpool, with (Manchester) United, the best team in England in history. But we can beat them.

"I know today nobody trusts us, nobody makes one coin for us, but it is what it is. They are at the moment the best team in Europe, in the consistency, the way they control the details in their game. It is a good challenge for us if we're going to reduce the gap."

Liverpool beat City in three of their four meetings last season, including both legs of their Champions League quarter-finals.

Manchester City had a good day against Liverpool in the Premier League last season, with Gabriel Jesus getting two of the goals in a 5-0 victory (Martin Rickett/PA)

Guardiola said: "I cannot figure out that what happened in the past is going to happen in the future. Every time we won a lot of games it doesn't mean it will happen in the future.

"I have a feeling everyone can beat us but also that we can beat everyone. Last year we beat them 5-0 here – but it doesn't count now.

"Of course if we win we will have more confidence, we will be happier than if we lose. We know exactly which opponent we play, the respect we have. That is the challenge.

"If we want to grow like a club, like an organisation and like a team, we have to face these kind of games with the pressure that means."

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt for the Liverpool match (Martin Rickett/PA)

City have a doubt over playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who missed Sunday's victory at Southampton with a muscle injury.

Guardiola, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, said: "He trained today but tomorrow we need another check in the morning – but he is much better."

City's recent form has brought speculation they may seek to reinforce their squad in January but Guardiola continues to insist there will be no signings.

He said: "It's the third time I answered that question. No news is good news, so no. Maybe tomorrow I change my opinion but today no.

"I am glad with the players I have, they can play in different positions. We are going to live with that situation."

amp_article__345782 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-01-02 16:16:26:
html db last update - 2021-02-24 15:02:06 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Pep Guardiola

Click here for more stories about Liverpool

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .