Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City are at a disadvantage in the Premier League title race because Liverpool are better than his team.
The reigning champions overturned their poor domestic performances and won their league match at the end of December to move up to third in the table. They are two points behind Liverpool and Aston Villa despite having played fewer games than Unai Emery’s side and will drop to fourth if Arsenal fail to lose to Fulham on New Year’s Eve.
Guardiola’sManchester City are chasing a fourth successive Premier League title but the manager insists Liverpool are well placed to claim the title in May. “[The title race] is very interesting. We are not at the top of the league. Liverpool are better.” Guardiola told the BBC after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United. “We’ve had injuries, we’ve had some difficulties. We’ve won titles, important titles, the level is very good and we’re there. Now just calm down, we all need it.”
“January is less busy than November and December, so we’re preparing for the future.”Goals from Rodry and Julian Alvarez put Man City ahead of the Blades in their final game of 2023, having now won their last four games in all competitions and still without Erling Haaland through injury.
However, Kevin De Bruyne is back in the matchday squad for the first time since August and will remain an unused substitute on Saturday, but Guardiola is happy to be available for selection again. “The way he’s been in training shows that people want him back. It’s been a long injury for all of us, but we’re glad he’s back,” Guardiola said.
