Pep Guardiola says his side can not think about retaining their Premier League title after their recent slump in form and are instead focused on a top-four place.
Guardiola has won the league in each of the last four seasons and six of the last seven – but Liverpool look in good order to match their win in 2020 this year.
Liverpool are nine points clear at the top, with City further back in fifth after their defeat at Anfield.
City face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, with Guardiola looking to get back on track and end their seven-game winless run.
He said: “After the results in the past to think about a big target [winning Premier League] would be a big mistake. We need to beat a team close to us and take advantage to be closer to the top four.
“We are not far away from being the second team in the league but it is all about consistency.
“Liverpool as a team have been magnificent and you just have to fight and win games. Step by step we have to move forward again.”
Home support could be important – as City’s fans hope to not witness back-to-back league defeats for the first time since 2016.
PEP 💬 (On Kevin De Bruyne update) He is closer [to full fitness] and [has been] 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 over the last decade,” Guardiola said.
“They know we need the support, the players are human beings and will try everything to change the dynamic.
“We just have to play and think about the next one [game] I don’t know another way. I don’t feel sorry for myself. It is what it is.”
‘Ederson is number one’
Guardiola did have some good news to report, saying that key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is close to full fitness.
John Stones will miss the Forest game, however, while Ederson could return in goal after missing the Liverpool game.
Guardiola said: “Ederson is number one, Stefan Ortega number two.
“But maybe Stefan [like against Liverpool on Sunday] will continue to start. Ederson reacted really well.”
