Pep Guardiola said after Sunday’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium that Manchester City had given Liverpool “a life” in the Premier League title race.
City grabbed the lead twice against Jurgen Klopp’s side, first through Kevin de Bruyne and again via Gabriel Jesus, but were pegged back by Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane equalizers.
With seven games to go, Liverpool and Manchester City are separated by a point at the top of the league. Guardiola said that a series of missed chances, including one that fell to Riyad Mahrez in stoppage time, had relieved Liverpool of their responsibility.
At a post-match news conference, Guardiola said, “It was an incredible game, with both sides doing everything possible to win.”
“I felt as if we let them live their lives from here, but Liverpool is a delight to watch.” I am quite aware of how excellent they are, without a doubt, but I am extremely proud of my squad.
“I said, “Keep your head up, not your head down, and declare to the world how brilliantly we performed.” We must win all seven games of the season is finished. That is all. “
Klopp likened the game to a boxing match, despite the fact that neither side was able to score a knockout blow.
They’ll face each other again at Wembley on Saturday in the FA Cup semifinals, and maybe in the Champions League final at the end of May.
“What a game—incredible,” Klopp said. “It had the appearance of a boxing bout. You extend your arms for a brief moment and get a strong knock, which causes you to shake somewhat.
“It was a fantastic game and a result that we must accept and can accept.”
