It’s Liverpool’s to lose: Has Pep Guardiola given up on the Premier League?

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola [Courtesy]

Has Pep Guardiola given up on the Premier League title this season after only 13 games?

This looks increasingly likely after the two-time Premier League winner admitted to the press his team would have to work to win it next season, should they fail to catch up with leaders Liverpool in this campaign.  

City beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to move to third, a point shy of second-placed Leicester City.

Speaking to the press after the win against Chelsea, Guardiola maintained his squad still has the spirit to challenge and that losing the league was the only pressure they felt.

"The only pressure we can have is we are going to lose the Premier League. It is not the first time in Manchester City's 125-year history that they [may] lose the Premier League," said Guardiola.

“If we lose the Premier League we are going to try again next season,” he added, insisting his team would never give up a title fight.

Guardiola highlighted the nature of the Premier League and the nature of football itself, explaining its competitive nature.

He also recognised the huge expectations placed on his team, considering the fact they won back-to-back Premier League titles since Sir Alex Ferguson did with Manchester United in 2007/09.

"We didn't give up last season and that is why we won again. Maybe we are going to lose but this team never gives up,” explained Guardiola.