Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed that Liverpool remains his team’s biggest challenger for the Premier League title. The Reds currently sit 10th in the table, 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
However, the Spaniard believes that Liverpool “always have been and always will be” fighting for the trophy. Guardiola backs up these claims by saying the Reds still have plenty of time to right their ship before the end of the current campaign.
“If we get this question with 10 games remaining, I would say that Liverpool cannot catch up with Arsenal,” Guardiola said. “But with the World Cup, anything can happen.”
Essentially, the upcoming World Cup throws a wrench into the Premier League season. Normally held in the summer when the season is complete, this year’s tournament will be held in November and December in Qatar.
Pep identifies Liverpool as the biggest contender for the title
Speaking ahead of a clash with Liverpool at the weekend, Guardiola also said his rivals are too good to remain in the middle of the group. “I know the quality they have,” continued the coach. “It’s always been a tough game and I don’t expect anything more.”
“A few months ago Liverpool were competing for a prestigious position in English football, four titles, they had more shots, possession, everything in the final and they lost.
“This is the same team, the same coach, things can happen. It is part of the nature of competition. I don’t look at the good or the bad moments, I analyze as a team always hoping for the best from them”.
Liverpool have struggled to find their normal form so far this season. Although they have scored a large number of goals in the Premier League, the club’s defense has been unusually inferior. Goalkeeper Alisson has managed to keep just two clean sheets. The Reds have also allowed multiple goals in half of their league games.
City take on Liverpool on Sunday, October 16 at 11:30am (ET) on the US network.
PHOTO: IMAGO/PA Images
