Pep Guardiola admits Liverpool have been better this season and hopes a “less intense” schedule in January will help Manchester City climb into the Premier League title race.City moved two points clear of the Red leaders after beating Sheffield United 2-0.
Rhodri and Julian Alvarez scored for the hosts at the Etihad Stadium. Silverware would lose to Liverpool. But City have consistently fallen behind in the second half of the season, having won their last three games. Guardiola, who won the Club World Cup earlier this month, was delighted to see City beat Sheffield United without top scorer Erling Haaland. . Now the townspeople are breathing down Liverpool’s neck.Commenting on today’s match, Guardiola said: “It’s really good. We played the game we had to play. It’s not easy to attack this defense so deep.
We had to be compact and cross, but it is difficult without Erling [Haaland]. We had to find a small space. They moved very well and we played well. The second half of the year is better than the first half, but I wanted to start the new year with a good result.
Sometimes you just need time. It is difficult if he defends too deep.We had to be patient and they didn’t want to be pushy or demanding. So, you have to be patient and do it at the right time.
We gained momentum and played very well. “It is so tight that we are not top of the league and Liverpool are better. We have had injuries, we have had some difficulties, we have won titles and important titles, our level is very good, we are there. I’m resting now.
We all need it. “January is less busy than November and December, so we’re preparing for the future.”
