The manager of the reigning champions wasn’t under any illusions his side could mount an unlikely comeback near the top of the dining table
Pep Guardiola has offered his congratulations to Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp’s side prepare to confirm their status as Premier League champions.
With Liverpool holding an enormous lead near the top of the dining table, they will win the title if Manchester City fail to win away at Chelsea on Thursday evening.
That could mean a guard of honour for Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium next Thursday – if coronavirus restrictions allow – but Guardiola isn’t entertaining any thoughts of a dramatic collapse.
City will switch their attention to the FA Cup, as they travel to face Newcastle in the quarter-final on June 28.
“I have other options. We have a couple of players injured,” Guardiola told BT Sport.
“Listen, we cannot win titles. But we cannot deny this tough week.
“Congratulations to Liverpool, they have won it.
“Champions League qualification, we are in a good position so the FA Cup becomes important. We have three to four academy players on the bench.
“I think all the managers didn’t understand how the teams would be after these exemplary situations. We got a great result [against Burnley] and that has been the important thing.”
Phil Foden starred with two goals in City’s 5-0 thrashing of Burnley on Monday, but he was missing from their squad at Stamford Bridge.
“He acquired a little injury after Burnley,” Guardiola confirmed.
“The day after he could not train. We have Newcastle so we need him, and for Liverpool too.”
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard also admitted some amusement at the very thought of Liverpool fans cheering for the Blues against City – but in addition that he knew the title race have been over for a while.
“That is an unusual combination! I believe Liverpool won the league months ago, but not taking anything far from them should they were to win it tonight,” Lampard told BT Sport.
“They have been outstanding. They should celebrate because of their brilliant performances. That’s for them to celebrate whenever and we will just focus on our performance tonight.
“You want to deliver against Man City. Tonight won’t be pivotal [in the top-four race] but we wish a result.
“We have one of the best teams in the country or the world coming to the Bridge – it’s going to be a tough match.”
