Guardiola 'has no doubts' about Manchester City's title chances
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Super Cup had not affected his confidence ahead of their Premier League title defense.
Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez helped Liverpool start the season at the King Power Stadium, with new signing Julian Alvarez scoring for Manchester City.
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“There is no reason not to be confident,” Guardiola told reporters. "There is no reason. What these guys are doing, not just in the Premier League, but in the cup [at home] and in Europe [says it all],” he said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen this season, but I’m sure I know these people. I don’t doubt it for a second.” “We played very well against Bayern Munich a few days ago, against Liverpool we did very well. .I don’t think we’re too far apart,” he commented.
Guardiola kept Calvin Phillips on the bench for the FA Super Cup but says the England international, signed from Leeds United for £45m, will be gradually dropped to the bench.
“He’s confident – he’s ready to play,” Guardiola said. “He arrived three weeks ago and Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan already know our game. But he will succeed step by step. He will help us in many games.”
Manchester City travel to London on August 7 to face West Ham United, kicking off their third successive Premier League title win.