Pep Guardiola remains confident that Manchester City can regain their form, despite slipping further behind Liverpool in the Premier League title chase.
The team endured a 2-0 defeat to the Reds at Anfield. Cody Gakpo put Arne Slot’s side ahead in the 12th minute, and Mo Salah secured the victory with a penalty in the 78th minute.
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Liverpool controlled the game and now sit 11 points ahead of Guardiola’s defending champions in the standings. ..Continue Reading
City have suffered six losses in their last seven matches, including four consecutive Premier League defeats, a downturn in performance that few could have anticipated.
But Guardiola, who has guided the team to the past four titles – believes that his troops will remedy their concerning form. “I have the feeling that from here we can start to build something,” he said.
“Call me delusional but I have the feeling that from here we will start to build back to winning games and confidence. Our target cannot be talking about titles in November or December.
“We didn’t do that when we were top of the league. But at the same time we are still in December, not the end of the season, so many things can still happen.”
Manchester City have faced several injury setbacks this season. The absence of Rodri, sidelined with an ACL injury until the end of the season, has left a significant gap in midfield, while Mateo Kovacic was also unavailable for the clash against Liverpool.
As a result, Bernardo Silva took on the role of a deep-lying midfielder, with Manuel Akanji stepping forward from defense to assist.
Although Guardiola commended their efforts, he acknowledged that Liverpool dominated in midfield, particularly highlighting the brilliance of Ryan Gravenberch.
He added: “I just say thank you to Bernano, to Manu, to Rico [Lewis] for playing in a position they’re not used to. To fight against Gravenberch.
“Gravenberch is a No.10, how the first control is amazing enough to attack to the next line of [Alexis] Mac Allister – an experienced player – of [Dominik] Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and all of the players they have.
“We make an incredible effort, they did it. It was an incredible effort. Manu playing with Rodri or Kova is different than playing with Bernado.
“Bernando likes playing in the positions between but I know he fights. They make an incredible effort to come back. Kevin, the rhythm was much better than in recent games, Jack in the middle I thought can help us to have that control and vision into the final third.
“As much as our weeks go through and we can win games, our physical condition will be better and we’ll be a better team. Hopefully, that can happen.”
