Manchester city boss pep guardiola is hoping that a ‘less intense’ january schedule will see him shift the gears in the premier league title race, as he admitted that liverpool have been better this season. After a 2-0 victory over sheffield united, city moved to within two points of the reds, who are currently in second place. At the etihad stadium, rodri and julian alvarez were on target for the home team. Liverpool has a lot to lose if not all silverware as it stands. Despite winning the last three titles, city kept the afterburners on in the second half of the campaign. Guardiola, whose side was crowned club world cup winners earlier this month, was ecstatic that city defeated sheffield united without top scorer erling haaland.
The cityzens are now breathing down liverpool’s neck. Guardiola said to match of the day, “we played the game we should play, it’s not easy to attack this defense so deep.” We had to make crosses in it because it was so compact, but it would be difficult without erling haaland. We had to find the small spaces. They pushed really well and we had a good time. We wanted to go into the new year with a positive result in a better second half than the first. “sometimes you need time, when they defend so deep that it’s impossible.” We had to be patient because they didn’t want to push or press, so you have to be patient and do it in the right place.
We had the momentum and we did really well. “we’re not in the top of the league, but liverpool is better.” We’ve had injuries and some problems, but we won the championships, particularly important ones, and our confidence is high, as i would say. We all need it now, so we must. We’re less active in january than in november and december, so we’re excited for what’s next.”
