Pep Guardiola explains why Man City ‘will not be back’ even if they beat Liverpool at Anfield

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A statement victory against Liverpool at Anfield could do wonders for the belief in Manchester City’s dressing room of their Premier League title prospects.

Ilkay Gundogan commented on facing Liverpool away from home as a “tough” test while also suggesting that a defeat could end City’s chances of winning the league this season.

Manchester City’s record at Anfield is far from inspiring — losing 13, drawing seven and winning one of their last 21 league games against the Reds.

Ruben Dias told Manchester City fans that despite their recent struggles, the team’s desire to win is as sky-high as it has always been since Pep Guardiola’s appointment.

Kyle Walker revealed Manchester City’s mood as a group is one of being fully aware of how crucial their trip to Merseyside is as he described the game as a “must-win.”

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	12	10	1	1	24	8	16	31
2	ArsenalArsenal	13	7	4	2	26	14	12	25
3	BrightonBrighton	13	6	5	2	22	17	5	23
4	Man CityManchester City	12	7	2	3	22	17	5	23
5	ChelseaChelsea	12	6	4	2	23	14	9	22
6	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	13	6	4	3	16	13	3	22

Ultimately, Pep Guardiola and Co will have to back their talk with a result on Sunday.

• READ MORE: Man City fans all have the same prediction vs Liverpool that’ll make Arne Slot smile

Guardiola doubts Man City revival regardless of Liverpool result

Troy Deeney predicted a Manchester City win against Liverpool despite them failing to win their last six games.

Paul Merson backed Liverpool to beat City 2-1 off the back of their 2-0 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Ahead of the much-anticipated encounter, Pep Guardiola admitted that even if Manchester City defeat Liverpool, such an emphatic result would not spark their revival due to the injuries to his key players.

Guardiola said, as quoted by Sky Sports: “We will be back when all the players come back. We will not be back by winning at Anfield. Until those players come back, we will not be back. I’m sorry to say that.”

It is important to note that with Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Oscar Bobb and John Stones are still sidelined with injuries while Ruben Dias and Jeremu Doku only recently returned to training, with Kevin De Bruyne’s minutes in the past few games only restricted to substitute appearances.

Pep Guardiola added: “I would love to say we are going to win at Anfield and then 20 games. But in the situation we are in, we will not be back. The only chance we come back is if John Stones is back, he is injured and he will be a long time, if Ruben Dias has come back after one month out and everyone is a bit fit again, then we will be back. To sustain it every three days, we cannot do it.”

“Now it’s time to suffer. Now it’s time to be there, be positive. But one result in the moment, we will not be who we are. Still we are there, we want to maintain it as long as possible.”

A major injury Liverpool have suffered is that of Ibrahima Konate, who has confirmed that he will miss the contest against City. Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa are still absent due to the injuries they suffered.

However, Arne Slot confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness status by claiming that he is ready to start and replace the injured Connor Bradley after his recent knock as well.

Man City’s Premier League games after Liverpool

As a result, Liverpool still seem well-placed to put in a strong showing, with Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah being reliable backup centre-backs.

The worry for Manchester City is that even after their latest encounter, their fixture list remains tricky.

Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Aston Villa are teams that could be potential banana skins for this City side.

A win at Anfield could galvanise this Sky Blues team to go on their signature winning runs.

However, for Manchester City to do so is easier said than done, with their successive games against Manchester United and Aston Villa being their biggest tests in their next five games after facing Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola’s hope for a fully-fit squad is understandable as he would require the option of being able to pick all his best possible players to beat such quality sides and a sole victory against the Reds will not dictate their season.