Manchester City miles away from Liverpool - Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his team is currently “miles away” from Premier League champions Liverpool and cannot guarantee that City will be able to challenge the Reds for the title next season.

After a challenging campaign, City finished 13 points behind Liverpool, marking their lowest points tally since Guardiola’s arrival in 2016 with just 71 points.

The season also saw City go trophyless for only the second time under Guardiola, highlighting a significant dip in their performance.

The Citizens’ mid-season slump significantly impacted their title challenge, and their early exit from the Champions League compounded their struggles.

Despite these setbacks, City secured a spot in the Champions League for the 15th successive season following a 2-0 victory over Fulham on the final day.

However, Guardiola expressed uncertainty about whether his side can return to their previous dominant form and compete for the Premier League crown again next year.

Guardiola reflected on the club’s recent performances, noting that since he arrived, City has typically finished with over 80 points, but this season’s 71 points are a stark contrast to their usual standards.

He emphasized that Liverpool remains ahead and warned that the team must elevate their level if they hope to contend again.

Guardiola also hinted at fatigue from a congested schedule, citing concerns about the toll of the upcoming Club World Cup and the lack of a holiday before the new campaign.

“Sport and football give you another chance, and we will look to prove ourselves.But we are miles away from Liverpool. That is the reality. I have a feeling next season will be better, but I don’t know how we will react after the Club World Cup. We will be exhausted without a holiday before next season”, Pep Guardiola said.

The manager also addressed squad changes, acknowledging the departure of Kevin De Bruyne after a decade at the club and the ongoing speculation about Jack Grealish’s future.

Guardiola indicated that he expects to bring in new players, particularly in weaker areas, but does not foresee major overhauls.

He praised the current squad’s quality, noting that there are enough talented players to build upon, and left transfers and squad adjustments to the club’s decision-makers.