Manchester City must “work more earnestly, play better, and supplicate” if they want to close the hole on Premier League pioneers Liverpool, says manager Pep Guardiola.
The Blue Devils are currently 3rd on the league log and 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Pep believes his side could overtake Liverpool ” when everyone is fit ”
When asked what his players needed to do, he said ” work earnestly, play better and supplicate “
He added: “We can always do what we can do. But there are other issues we cannot control.
“We cannot control what a fantastic team like Liverpool have done so far, and there are other issues we cannot control.”
He attributed the things he can’t control to the Video Assistant Referee ( VAR ) system
He rubbished suggestions that City’s lack of activity during the summer transfer window was to blame for the club’s slip down the table.
City has been coupled with injury problems. The likes of Aymeric Laporte, Leroy Sane, David Silva and John Stones all currently sidelined.
“No. I think the team is fantastic. I love my team,” said Guardiola. “We have had problems with injuries.
“Liverpool are incredible, they are champions of Europe and have dropped two points, so we must congratulate them.
“The distance between us is not as it should be, but it is what it is.”
Manchester City host Everton on New Year’s Day while Liverpool welcome Sheffield United to Anfield on Thursday.
