Pep Guardiola makes cheeky dig at Liverpool’s record as Manchester City edge closer to the title
- Planet Sport writer
- 9 May 2022
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hit back at Liverpool and the media as his men produced a fine display to dispatch Newcastle 5-0 at the Etihad.
Guardiola was on the receiving end of heavy criticism this week following City's Champions League exit away in Madrid.
With his men returning to winning ways against Newcastle, the Spaniard couldn't help but fire back at the media and his title challengers during his post-match interview.
Raheem Sterling, who scored a double against the Magpies, was joined on the scoresheet by Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden as the Citizens made mincemeat of Eddie Howe's side.
The victory moved Man City three points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League title race, with only three more matchdays to go.
Afterwards, Guardiola made a slight dig at the Reds, telling beIN SPORTS: "One week ago, we were in front, (but) everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone.
"Of course Liverpool have an incredible history, in Europe and competitions. Not in Premier League, just won one in 30 years. But it is not a problem at all. The situation is what it is."
Looking back at the performance against the Magpies, the Spaniard added: "Just before the start of the game I felt the crowd were disappointed but not grumpy or upset about who we are as a team.
"What we have done today we have done the last five years every three days. Three more points, three games left, one competition to play.
"We have big problems at the back because we have just three defenders for these three games but we are going to try to do it.
"Wednesday becomes absolutely a final, final, final for us. If we are able to win maybe we are able to arrive in the last game, at home, with our people and try to make back-to-back (titles).
"Still, of course, everything can happen in football. If it can happen in 56 seconds three days ago it can happen in three games."
The City boss also confirmed his side will be without Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker and John Stones for the remainder of the season.
Dias was forced off at half-time with a muscular problem, which means he will join his two teammates on the sidelines, who are still struggling with a thigh and ankle injuries.
City return to action on Wednesday when they take on Wolves away at Molineaux.
