“I’ll tell you…” – Pep Guardiola defends Liverpool as he takes a dig at ‘pundits and experts’
Given the fierce rivalry that has developed between Liverpool and Manchester City over the last decade, it might come as a surprise to see Pep Guardiola showing support for the Reds — but that’s exactly what he’s done.
The Spaniard’s side overtook the reigning champions in the Premier League table last weekend and are currently Arsenal’s closest challengers. Meanwhile, Arne Slot’s men have seen their title ambitions suffer after three consecutive league defeats.
However, following a morale-boosting 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, victory at Brentford on Saturday night would move Liverpool to within just one point of the league leaders, at least temporarily.
Guardiola backs Liverpool in title race talk
Speaking to reporters ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa, Guardiola was asked whether his team were going “under the radar” in the title race, with much of the spotlight seemingly on Liverpool and Arsenal.
Responding with a hint of sarcasm (via Man City’s official YouTube channel), the 54-year-old said:
> “After two or three games we were supposedly finished, and now people say Liverpool are done. Believe me, they’ll be back.
> “I’ve said it many times – the pundits and ex-players seem to know everything after just five games. I can’t do that. I prefer to wait 10 or 15 matches before drawing conclusions. Liverpool and Arsenal are in it, others will join, and hopefully we’ll be there too.”
Guardiola’s right not to rule Liverpool out
While Arsenal have seized the momentum in recent weeks, several pundits have started to question Liverpool’s title credentials. Jamie Carragher warned that the Reds won’t retain their crown unless they tighten up defensively, while Paul Merson even suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side could “run away” with the league before Christmas.
But Guardiola is spot on — just eight games into the campaign is far too early to make bold predictions about who will win the title. By the next international break in November, the picture should become clearer.
Liverpool do have a slight advantage this weekend. Despite their fixture being moved from a 12:30 to an 8pm kickoff on Saturday, they still play before both Arsenal and City. A win would pile pressure on their rivals to respond the following day.
Last season, at this same stage, a draw against Arsenal left Liverpool one point behind City at the top. Two months later, they were seven points clear — and 15 ahead of Guardiola’s men.
That shows just how quickly fortunes can change between late October and the New Year. So, anyone writing off Liverpool’s title hopes would be making a serious mistake.
