Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola says his team must impose their game on Saturday’s Premier League clash against title rivals, Liverpool, at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City vs Liverpool is always a tricky tie as the Reds are the only team to have wrestled the Premier League title from City’s grip in the last seven seasons.
City go into the match with 28 points from 12 matches – just one point above Liverpool who are in the second spot with 27 points after the same number of games.
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In an interview with Mancity.com, Guardiola noted how competitive the trophy chase between the top teams is this season, hence the need for his team to turn out strongly against Liverpool.
“We have to impose our game knowing how difficult it is [against Liverpool] at home and especially away,” Mancity.com quoted Guardiola as saying.
“Of course, we have already played 11 or 12 games. Honestly, I could not expect to be in that position at the beginning of the season. The top five teams are so tight. We are there and it is an important game against Spurs next week and Aston Villa away.
“December is so tight. We have the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. January is more relaxed. The positive energy we have for the next moment.”
It is unclear whether Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, would participate in the game. But if he plays and scores, he will set the record for the fewest Premier League games taken to reach 50 goals, although the 23-year-old has never scored against Liverpool.
Manchester City have emerged victorious in their last 23 home games. They are just a game away from equalling Sunderland’s record that was set between 1890 and 1892.
Liverpool have won the Premier League 19 times, while the Cityzens have won it nine times.
Man City are currently atop the Premier League on 28 points
with nine wins, one draw, and two defeats while the Reds who are in second spot on 27 points have eight wins, three draws, and one defeat so far.
By Toju Sote
