“Always have been” – Pep Guardiola explains why Liverpool are still title challengers with ‘anything can happen’ claim ahead of Man City’s trip to Anfield
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why he believes Liverpool are still title challengers ahead of the two sides' clash on October 16.
In his pre-match press conference, Guardiola refused to dismiss Liverpool's title hopes just yet as he believes anything can happen. The Spaniard said (via Manchester Evening News):
“Always have been. Yeah. Cause I know the quality they have. If it was like this with 10 games left I would say I don't think they can catch but now anything can happen.”
🗣️ “We were a little bit soft.”
Pep Guardiola says the last two times facing Liverpool at Anfield his Manchester City side were ‘soft’. https://t.co/FHDUCWZM8h
Guardiola's men travel to Anfield for a huge encounter between last seasons' title rivals. City currently sit second in the league and trail leaders Arsenal by just a point. They are unbeaten in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have been a stark contrast to the impressive side that performed so admirably in 2021-22. The Reds are floundering in 11th place, trailing City by 13 points just eight games into their season.
The Reds were above City at this stage last season in second with Guardiola's side trailing them in third by a point.
Jurgen Klopp's men kept pace with the Cityzens throughout the campaign and only lost out to City by a mere point on the final day.
Guardiola therefore knows all about the threat the Merseysiders pose despite an unconvincing start to the season.
The Anfield outfit beat City 3-1 in the season's curtain raising Community Shield on July 30.
Liverpool can lay down marker against City
A win for Liverpool this weekend would be a huge statement for Klopp's men against a City side who are favorites to successfully defend their title.
They are up against the irrepressible Erling Haaland, who has been a revelation at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norweigan has bagged an astounding 20 goals in just 13 appearances across all competitions.
If the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate can somehow keep Haaland quiet, Liverpool may just overcome the Cityzens.
“Liverpool are capable of winning.”
“If Manchester City win there, they will become almost invincible…”
“Man City will challenge that very proud record that #AFC have!”✅ “Liverpool are capable of winning.”
😳 “If Manchester City win there, they will become almost invincible…”
🔥 “Man City will challenge that very proud record that #AFC have!”
Martin Keown tips #MCFC to become the new Invincibles if they beat #LFC. https://t.co/OSVRLv09hj
The Reds bounced back from a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the league last weekend. They thrashed Rangers 7-1 in the Champions League on October 12, with Mohamed Salah scoring the quickest hat-trick in the competition's history.
Roberto Firmino was amongst the goals, grabbing a double which brought his tally to eight goals in 12 appearances across competitions.
Klopp will be hoping his attackers are in similar form come Sunday.
However, they will have to get past a defense that has conceded the lowest number of goals in the Premier League this season. Manchester City are tied with Newcastle United at nine for the lowest number of goals conceded so far.