EPL: Manchester City's Title Hopes Hang in Balance Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledges the team's recent slump and vows to find a solution ahead of their crucial match against Liverpool.

Manchester City's recent form has been a cause for concern, with the team currently mired in a six-game winless streak. As they prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, manager Pep Guardiola acknowledges that he must find a solution to halt the slide and get his team back on track.

The stakes are high, with a loss at Liverpool potentially leaving Manchester City 11 points behind the league leaders in the Premier League title race. However, Pep Guardiola is adopting a long-term perspective, focusing on finding a solution to the team's current struggles rather than getting bogged down by the potential consequences of a single game.

“Of course, I am thinking what I can do to help them (the players) but in the long career as a player and a manager you live these situations,” said Guardiola, who recently signed a two-year contract extension.

“When you live it - accept it and challenge it. No complaining, no blaming, no pointing the figure or running from your responsibility. If you don't win, you're in trouble, I know that,” he added.

“The moment I feel I am not positive for the club, another one (manager) will come but I want the opportunity to try it and I want to rebuild the team in many aspects from now on until the end of the season and the next seasons.”

He elaborated, “I welcome this challenge and the opportunity to address it,” in a thoughtful response that spanned almost four minutes.

“I know what we need, what we have to do. We don't have the consistency we had right now but which team during 10 years in the world has been consistent, tell me one. They don't exist - not in NBA, tennis, golf.

“It proves how we are as sportsmen and competitors. It is easiest when you have 10, 12 games in a row and everyone is fit and in their prime. I have to prove myself now. I have to find a solution and a way to do it and I am trying every day.”

Manchester City's injury woes have been a significant setback, but manager Pep Guardiola remained tight-lipped about the potential return of key players for Sunday's match, simply stating: “We will see.”

Last weekend's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur at The Etihad marked City's third consecutive Premier League defeat. A loss at Anfield on Sunday would be a historic low, representing the team's first four-game losing streak in the top flight since 2007. Furthermore, it would surpass their total number of losses from the entire 2023/24 season.

Despite the daunting prospect of a defeat, City fans can draw comfort from the team's past resilience under Guardiola. On four occasions, they have overcome deficits of eight points or more to win the league. While acknowledging that a loss on Sunday would make their title hopes “more difficult,” Guardiola reiterated that he is not focused on trophies at this juncture.

“In the situation we're in, it's not realistic to think about big targets. The situation is to think about the next game and getting the momentum to continue and that will come back,” he said.

“I have learned all my life to move forward in the good moments and the bad moments. It's how many times you stand up when again and again you fall.

“We will be back, I know that. I don't know when that is - the truth.”