Pep Guardiola has ‘no regrets’ over Liverpool defeat as he reveals Man City future

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola offered some positivity despite falling to defeat against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium and the ex-Barcelona coach was focused on his club’s future

Pep Guardiola has no regrets from his side’s defeat against Liverpool.

Manchester City lost 2-0 to the Premier League leaders as Arne Slot’s side completed a league double over the division’s champions. Goals from Mo Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai ensured that the Reds came away victorious and extended the lead to 11 points at the top of the table, 20 clear of City.

Guardiola was pleased with his team’s performance however and he believes that the home side offered hope of a ‘bright future’ despite falling to their eighth defeat of the season in the league. The Catalan coach was pleased with the performances of Jeremy Doku and Savinho, while highlighting this was a new team for the club to move forward with.

The 54-year-old reserved some praise for his opponents, but made clear he was happy with his team. “It was a good game. Tight game in the first half,” he said.

“First half it was more open and the second half they defended very deep. They always have the threat but it is not easy to control it.

“We dropped them. Through our pressing or build-up, dropped the team there. I think Doku and Savinho played an incredible game and get to the byline a lot but then just from there we missed the magic.

“We played really good so I have no regrets. The chances in the final third, when we want to shoot and cross, for the amount we arrived there we did not create much.

“I saw a bright future. Other than than Kevin [de Bruyne] and Nathan [Ake], they are the future of this club in the next years, with others who will come in future windows. So many players are here playing but we know Erling [Haaland] will come and we have important absences. Everyone was really, really good.

“The first goal from the corner but we tried to play and I know how the opponent will play. Second half they were 11 players in the box. We did well because they don’t want to do that. Big compliment to them but I am very pleased with the way we play.”

Guardiola was unable to provide an update on Erling Haaland’s availability. The Norway international was not present in City’s squad on Sunday and it remains uncertain whether he will be fit in time to face Tottenham.

“I don’t know,” Guardiola said. “I am not saying we didn’t get the result because Erling was not there. That is unfair on the other players. We could finish more but in general it is fine.”

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