Pep Guardiola says his facet cannot take into consideration retaining their Premier League title after their latest droop in type and are as an alternative centered on a top-four place.
Guardiola has gained the league in every of the final 4 seasons and 6 of the final seven – however Liverpool look in good order to match their win in 2020 this yr.
Liverpool are 9 factors clear on the high, with Metropolis additional again in fifth after their defeat at Anfield.
Metropolis face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, with Guardiola trying to get again on monitor and finish their seven-game winless run.
He stated: “After the outcomes prior to now to consider an enormous goal [winning Premier League] could be an enormous mistake. We have to beat a workforce near us and take benefit to be nearer to the highest 4.
“We’re not distant from being the second workforce within the league however it’s all about consistency.
“Liverpool as a workforce have been magnificent and also you simply need to struggle and win video games. Step-by-step we’ve got to maneuver ahead once more.”
Residence help might be vital – as Metropolis’s followers hope to not witness back-to-back league defeats for the primary time since 2016.
PEP 💬 (On Kevin De Bruyne replace) He’s nearer [to full fitness] and [has been] even higher in the previous few days. pic.twitter.com/LWQWkkZEzY
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) December 3, 2024
“The followers know what these guys have performed during the last decade,” Guardiola stated.
“They know we want the help, the gamers are human beings and can attempt all the things to alter the dynamic.
“We simply need to play and take into consideration the subsequent one [game] I don’t know one other means. I don’t really feel sorry for myself. It’s what it’s.”
‘Ederson is primary’
Guardiola did have some excellent news to report, saying that key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is near full health.
John Stones will miss the Forest recreation, nonetheless, whereas Ederson may return in objective after lacking the Liverpool recreation.
Guardiola stated: “Ederson is primary, Stefan Ortega quantity two.
“However perhaps Stefan [like against Liverpool on Sunday] will proceed to start out. Ederson reacted rather well.”
