Guardiola admits “Liverpool were better” after Community Shield clash

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City face a tough test to retain the Premier League title after narrowly overcoming Liverpool in the Community Shield yesterday.

The Premier League champions beat the Champions of Europe 5-4 on penalties after Joel Matip cancelled out an early Raheem Sterling goal to take the game to spot kicks.

But despite picking up his first silverware of the season, Guardiola remained grounded after the game.

READ: Gomez highlights reasons for positivity after Community Shield defeat

READ: New goalkeeper signing imminent as Liverpool agree Mignolet exit deal

“I don’t know if it’ll be like last season, (Manchester) United and others have bought,” Guardiola said. “There will be many contenders this time.

“We’re so happy but we also realised what team we’re facing for the rest of the season: the champions of Europe. They are a top class team.

“The difference is one point ahead, one penalty. Sometimes the coin is on your side, sometimes not. We know how well prepared we have to be to win the titles.”

He added: “We won on penalties, you can win or lose, the hunger is there.

“This part of the season the game was tremendously demanding. We had a really good first half, two clear chances to score more than one but after we couldn’t control the switch of play.

“Liverpool will win more duels because they’re better than us (at that) and we had that problem in the second half.

“Nico (las Otamendi) and Gabriel (Jesus) played almost 90 minutes with two training sessions. The calendar is crazy for all teams, immediately they have to come back and play.

“It was an entertaining game, there were lots of chances. Liverpool were better in the last 20 minutes.”

Guardiola also threw his support behind Jurgen Klopp after the Liverpool boss raised concerns over lack of rest time for players.

“I read what Jurgen said and I support him,” said Guardiola. “The show must go on and I’m optimistic if they listen to the players.

“The NBA has an incredible amount of games but then five months off. Riyad Mahrez had 10 days off.

“If you start losing people say it’s a disaster. People say about the amount of money we earn but it’s not normal.

“We played in Asia and then after a week we come here with that intensity. They’re creating new competitions and they don’t listen to the players or managers. They have to consider it.

“You have to reduce. I don’t know whether it’s the competitions but it’s a lot.

“I had a holiday so I’m fresh. When it’s the international break I go away with my family but they play with their national teams. You play again, again, for 10 months every season.

“You look at quality, not quantity. It’s Copa America, World Cup, Confederations Cup… it’s not comfortable for the players.”

The post Guardiola admits “Liverpool were better” after Community Shield clash appeared first on Anfield Watch.

Source: anfieldhq.com