Pep Guardiola says his side cannot afford to think about retaining their Premier League title after their disappointing slump and are instead focused on a top-four finish.
Guardiola has won each of the last four seasons and the last six in the league – but Liverpool will match their winning streak in 2020.
Liverpool are 9 points clear and City are in fifth place after the defeat at Anfield.
City face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday and Guardiola will be looking to get back on track and end their seven-game winning streak.
He said: “After the results in the past it would be a big mistake to think about a big goal (to win the Premier League). We need to beat the team close to us and take advantage to get closer to the top four.
“We are not far from being the second team in the league, but it is all about consistency.
“Liverpool played a great game as a team and you just have to fight and win. We have to move forward step by step.”
Home support could be crucial – as City fans hope to avoid back-to-back league defeats for the first time since 2016.
PEP 💬 (On Kevin De Bruyne’s update) He is closer (to full fitness) and (even better) in the last few days. pic.twitter.com/LWQWkkZEzY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 3, 2024
“The fans know what these guys have done in the last decade,” Guardiola said.
“They know we need support, players are human and will try anything to change the dynamic.
“We just have to play and think about the next game, I don’t know any other way. I don’t feel sorry for myself. That’s what happened.”
“Ederson is number one”
Guardiola had some good news to say that starting midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is close to being fully fit.
John Stones will miss the Forest game, while Ederson could return in goal after missing the Liverpool game.
Guardiola said: “Ederson is number one, Stefan Ortega is number two.”
“But maybe Stefan will continue to start (like against Liverpool on Sunday). Ederson reacted really well.”
