At his Friday press conference, the City boss was asked whether it could be another fight to the finish line with Jurgen Klopp’s side?
CITY V SPORTING: GET YOUR TICKETS
The two clubs have regularly battled for major silverware over the last five years and Guardiola says his team will give their all in a bid to retain the Premier League crown.
“I am involved with what we have to do and if that’s enough to be champions, good, if not, we will congratulate Liverpool,” said Pep.
“As I get older and enjoy my profession, I am more sporting than ever and learn to accept defeats in a more natural way.
“I don’t like it, I don’t sleep well that night but you have to accept the other teams can beat you and that you have to improve. That there are margins to do better than what we are doing.
“I’m not so dramatic about ‘we’re going to lose the Premier League’ – so, what’s the problem?
“The problem is how you behave, and how you are as a team.
“Knowing you want to win it. I don’t have many complaints or regrets. We are who we are in terms of possession, in terms of chances and shots.
“Sometimes you are attacking and the opponent regains the ball, pass to the striker and they lose the ball.
“Last weekend, Harry Kane didn’t lose the ball – he was involved in the game not that much, but when he did have it, every time it was decisive – why? Because it was our fault? No, it’s because the opponents are good.
“When you play against Messi, Neymar, the Liverpool players – they are good – they can do whatever they want. We bring the game where we are looking forwards.
“Other teams are good as well; I know what we have to do to beat Liverpool - win a lot of games!
“Nobody knows what is going to happen.”
Guardiola reiterated he has been consistently saying City’s advantage at the top wasn’t a true picture of the situation due to the fact Liverpool had played fewer games – and he expected them to win those postponed matches..
“I knew, even when they were 12 points behind with two games in hand, I knew it. I felt it because I know the opponent and know what’s happened (before),” said Pep.
“All I can do is train well and focus on the game tomorrow.
“That’s all I’ve been thinking about since we lost to Tottenham.”
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