Liverpool’s Dominance: Why No One Should Feel Sorry for Pep Guardiola
It’s official: Liverpool is on fire, and the Premier League title is theirs to lose. After a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, the Reds have not only solidified their position at the top of the table but also left Pep Guardiola’s side reeling. With goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool now sits 11 points clear of fifth-place City. The question on everyone’s mind: Is this Liverpool’s year?
While Liverpool fans are celebrating, Manchester City is enduring its worst Premier League losing streak since August 2008. That’s right—Guardiola’s squad is winless in seven games, a shocking stat for a team that has dominated English football in recent years. But if you think Liverpool boss Arne Slot is feeling sorry for Guardiola, think again.
“No One Has to Feel Sorry for Pep”
Speaking after the match, Slot was quick to dismiss any notion of sympathy for his counterpart. “You feel sympathy or empathy with the managers that are in a really bad place,” Slot said. “They’ve either lost many games or they’re down at the bottom of the league, but Pep has won so many things and he’s shown so many times already.”
Slot’s point is clear: Guardiola’s track record speaks for itself. “That’s why the league is not decided in November,” he added. “Last season they were eight points behind Arsenal, I think, in February. No one has to feel sorry for Pep, maybe for other managers, but not for Pep. He’s won so many things, and he will be able to bring City back.”
It’s a fair assessment. Guardiola has built a legacy at Manchester City, winning multiple Premier League titles and setting records along the way. But this season, the cracks are starting to show, and Liverpool is taking full advantage.
Liverpool’s Week to Remember
It’s been a dream week for Liverpool. Not only did they defeat Manchester City, but they also secured a win against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. With a nine-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table, the Reds are in prime position to chase their 20th league title.
But Slot isn’t letting his team get carried away. “Playing against Real Madrid, playing against Man City, teams that have been and are so, so good with managers that have won so many trophies, it’s always nice to come out in those situations as a winner,” he said. “But the reason why these teams won so many things is that they weren’t able to win once or twice; they were able to win every few days.”
Slot emphasized the importance of consistency. “We were really happy with these two wins, but we want to achieve more than this. Winning once or twice, even against these big teams, is not enough to win anything at the end of the season,” he said. “I saw Arsenal yesterday and I saw Chelsea today. They are all capable of getting the same winning streak that we have, so let’s not get carried away with one or two wins. It’s all about consistency to the end of the season, keeping the players fit, and keeping them playing with this much energy.”
Injuries Loom Large
One of the biggest challenges for Liverpool will be keeping their squad healthy. With injuries to key defenders Ibrahima Konaté, Conor Bradley, and Kostas Tsimikas, Slot knows the importance of managing his players’ fitness.
“Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté will both be out for a few weeks,” Slot confirmed. “They will not be in the team this week for sure. I don’t think Kostas will be with us in the upcoming week as well.”
Slot also explained his decision to substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold after 70 minutes. “He was able to play longer; he played a very good game, defended really well again, and was a major threat in attack,” Slot said. “But knowing that we play Newcastle on Wednesday and then the Merseyside derby on Saturday with only five [defenders] available, we have to take care of them.”
What’s Next for Liverpool?
With a packed schedule ahead, including matches against Newcastle and Everton, Liverpool will need to maintain their momentum. The Premier League title may be within reach, but as Slot pointed out, it’s all about consistency. Can Liverpool keep up their winning ways and fend off challengers like Arsenal and Chelsea? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this is shaping up to be a season to remember for the Reds.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool defeated Manchester City 2-0, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
- Manchester City is winless in seven games, marking their worst losing streak since 2008.
- Arne Slot emphasized the importance of consistency and managing player fitness as Liverpool chases their 20th league title.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Liverpool to see if they can maintain their dominance. For now, though, it’s clear: no one should feel sorry for Pep Guardiola.
Originally Written by: Luis Miguel Echegaray
