MY ACCOUNT
Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City are battling a nation of Liverpool fans after hammering Newcastle 5-0 to strike a blow in the Premier League title race.
The Citizens reacted brilliantly at the Etihad after being stunned by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals and are now three points clear at the summit.
Rival Jurgen Klopp’s men went on to reach the final but dropped points against Tottenham on Saturday.
Guardiola told beIN Sports: “Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone.
“Of course because Liverpool has an incredible history in European competition. Not in the Premier League, because they have won one in 30 years, but it is not a problem at all.”
The Citizens are in the hunt for their fourth league title in five years, which would be their 11th trophy won during Guardiola’s six-year reign.
While he has been in charge in Manchester, Liverpool have scooped five titles under Klopp, including one this year as the Reds clinched the Carabao Cup by beating Chelsea in the final.
Guardiola added: “Liverpool are alongside [Manchester] United as the most important team in terms of titles, legacy, history, dramas for many, many things.
“But we have since the last 11 or 12 years been there. I know sometimes we are uncomfortable, but I don’t care if the people want Liverpool to win more than us. It is not an issue.”
Three finals remain
City make the trip to Wolves on Wednesday night and will be hoping that by that time Liverpool will have dropped points at Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Guardiola’s side will face both West Ham and Villa on home soil in their final two games, while their title rivals will take a trip to the Saints and finish their season at Anfield against Wolves.
Speaking on their remaining games, Guardiola remarked: “We have to do nine points or maybe six, it depends what is going to happen in the next two games in terms of goal difference.
“But now Wednesday is the real, real, real final for us. Our destiny is in our hands and this is important.”
