Pep Guardiola claims Liverpool are STILL Man City’s main title rivals despite their 13 point gap

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Liverpool remain in the Premier League title race and told his Manchester City stars to toughen up against their rivals.

City, who widened the gap with Liverpool to 16 points with a win over Anfield on Sunday, have lost the last two meetings between the two.

The Reds defeated them in the FA Cup semi-final last season before winning the Community Shield in August. Guardiola saw aspects of both performances in which he demands improvement.

Jurgen Klopp’s side hosts City at Anfield on Sunday and is 13 points behind them in the table

“In the last two games we were a bit weak,” he said.

“You have to win duels. If they push you, you have to push. In the semi-final of the FA Cup, it was difficult to recover from the Champions League (quarter-final against Atletico Madrid).

‘You have to behave at top, top level. Being active in the second balls and many things. At Anfield we don’t lose without personality. I felt we behaved very well at Anfield.

“My opinion about Liverpool is that nothing changes with the situation on the table. Liverpool fought for four unprecedented titles.

Guardiola confirmed striker Erling Haaland would be available after missing out in midweek

“They couldn’t accomplish something because of only two minor details. This is the same squad. We will have bad moments. It’s the nature of the competition.’

City staff are still checking Jürgen Klopp’s side’s results before anyone else in the division and Guardiola still sees them as their main challengers for the title.

However, Klopp has downplayed the prospect of Liverpool making it to the starting line.

“They have always been there, always are and always will be – yes,” added the City boss.

‘I know the quality they have. They know the quality we have. If there were 10 games left, I’d say Liverpool can’t make it to the top of the league, but the situation we’re in, with the World Cup…

The reigning champions are in the top second in the rankings behind leaders Arsenal

“The table never plays in a game. The game is determined by what happens on the field, not that we lead the way.’

Guardiola confirmed that top scorer Erling Haaland, who already has 20 goals in all competitions, is available for the trip. Haaland was not featured during the midweek draw in Copenhagen.

He said the 22-year-old will get away during the World Cup.

“I don’t know the plan, but maybe he’ll be off for ten days or two weeks,” he said.

“Then we’ll come back and pick up our rhythm again. I’m pretty sure he would like to go to the World Cup with Norway.”