MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola does not believe Liverpool's recent stumbles in the title race have been the result of mounting pressure applied by his side.
City leapfrogged Jurgen Klopp's men to the top of the table on goal difference by winning at Everton on Wednesday (Feb 6), just a week after Liverpool blew the chance to move seven points clear.
Liverpool still have a game in hand with both sides locked on 62 points, but back-to-back draws against Leicester and West Ham have allowed City right back into the race.
City are at home to Chelsea on Sunday in a match Guardiola described as "a final".
They could kick-off back in second place as Liverpool host Bournemouth on Saturday.
"Tomorrow they play before us, I think things are going to change. The pressure," said Guardiola.
"Liverpool are exceptional, I don't have the feeling, Klopp, Virgil van Dijk feel the pressure, (Roberto) Firmino, (Mohamed) Salah, (Sadio) Mane.
"I feel they play good and try to win the games, I think they'll be there till the end and we have to be there to win our games."
Guardiola will have the luxury of recalling Kevin de Bruyne against his old side on Sunday after leaving the Belgian on the bench at Goodison Park in midweek.
De Bruyne came on in the final stages to set up Gabriel Jesus's second goal in a 2-0 City win, but Guardiola is wary of overplaying his side's player of the year last season after two long injury layoffs this season with knee problems.
'BE CAREFUL'
"There are times when team-mates are in better condition, in football what you have done in the past - you have to do it again in future," said Guardiola.
"We try to control the players, he played the last two. At Everton (on Wednesday), a few minutes, I want him to play as much as possible.
"He went out for five minutes and he was incredible. I want him to sustain that for a long time. When you're out a long time, I don't want him playing game, game, game."
Aymeric Laporte got City's opener against Everton, but the French centre-back has had to deputise at left-back in recent matches because of Benjamin Mendy's continued absence with a knee injury.
Mendy has played just 27 minutes of football since Nov 11 and Guardiola conceded that it could yet be some time before the French World Cup winner is fully match-fit.
"He's injured, it's not easy, meniscus," said Guardiola.
"He needs to re-adapt, it's not that if you start training in two days you are fit, he has to handle the effort we are putting on him - he has to be careful."
A social media post from Mendy suggesting he was in Hong Kong even drew an expletive when Guardiola was asked about his whereabouts.
However, Mendy later confirmed he was in fact in Barcelona, which the club were aware of, to receive treatment on his injury.
Firmino missed Liverpool's final three Premier League games of the season with a muscle injury, as well as the club's 4-0 Anfield win over Barcelona which booked their … Continue reading Jurgen Klopp Confirms Roberto Firmino Is Fit for Champions League Final Against Tottenham
Champions League final 2019: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino
Football: Fifa says it's in regular contact with AFC over
South Korea's victorious under-18 team were stripped of the Panda Cup on Thursday (May 30), after they infuriated hosts China with their celebrations. The Koreans had already apologized to "all the people in China" after a picture emerged of a player with his foot on the trophy.
Football: China strips South Korea of Panda Cup for 'indecent
Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism. Manchester City's England forward Raheem Sterling has been awarded The Integrity and Impact Award at this year's BT Sport Industry Awards
England's Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism
As with life, striking a balance in football is key to success and happiness. On Friday night in Busan, the Socceroos face Korea Republic in a curious clash, where a new-look squad will take on
Need for speed the answer to topple Thailand | Socceroos
The Jurgen Klopp message that provided Liverpool with inspiration as Reds seek Champions League immortality; The Reds boss sought to rally his hurting troops after Kiev and he had an important message that continues to resonate long after the tears of 12 months ago.
Jurgen Klopp labels Liverpool's Barcelona defeat as 'best
The Merlion Cup returns for an eighth edition this June in a new format after a 10-year hiatus. First introduced in 1982, the invitational tournament was an annual affair until 1986 and saw
Merlion Cup returns as U22 tournament featuring Singapore
Palace rout Leicester to step up pressure on Puel - Football News Crystal Palace piled further pressure on Leicester City manager Claude Puel on Saturday with a comprehensive 4-1 Premier League win over his team, who have now gone seven games without a victory. Two goals from Wilfried Zaha, another from Michy Batshuayi and a penalty from Luka
Palace rout Leicester to step up pressure on Puel
England soccer captain Harry Kane received the MBE award on Thursday for services to football after leading the national team to the World Cup semi-final in Russia last Summer, according to Reuters. Prince William, the president of the English Football Association, presented
England soccer captain Harry Kane is made an MBE (Member of
A high roller, also referred to as a whale, is a gambler who consistently wagers large amounts of money. High rollers often receive lavish "comps" from casinos to lure them onto the gambling floors, such as free private jet transfers, limousine use and use of the casinos' best suites.
Used Books Under $4
AD
Thriftbooks.com/read-more-for-less
Report Ad
Find Your Favorite Books Online. Free Shipping Available. Shop Now!
HANOI (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Two die-hard Malaysian fans sold their prized Ultras Malaya memorabilia to fund their trip to Hanoi to watch the return leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup final between
Football: Diehard Malaysian fans sell prized memorabilia to
Qatar will not take a decision on whether to expand its 2022 World Cup to 48 teams from 32 until it has seen the details of a feasibility study from FIFA, an official from the country's World Cup organising committee said on Monday.
FIFA to make decision on expanding 2022 World Cup in June
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar