Guardiola takes swipe at Liverpool over Man City’s 100-point record

Pep Guardiola has taunted Premier League leaders Liverpool, pointing out that they cannot match Manchester City's record 100-point season, regardless of whether they go on to win the title.

Guardiola's side, currently fifth in the table and 16 points behind Liverpool, have seen their bid for a fifth successive English crown unravel dramatically. Meanwhile, Liverpool hold a seven-point lead over second-placed Arsenal as they chase a 20th league title, which would equal Manchester United's record.

Even if Arne Slot's team secure the trophy, they have already fallen short of City's historic points tally from the 2017-18 season, when Guardiola won the first of his six Premier League titles.

'Who will do 100 points now?'

Responding to criticism of City's struggles this season, particularly after their 3-2 home defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off round first leg on 6 February, Guardiola took a dig at Liverpool's inability to reach the 100-point mark.

"We took all the records in England. Who would do 100 points now in modern football? I'm waiting," he said on 9 February.

"Or four titles in a row? I'm waiting—with clubs like Bournemouth, Fulham and Wolves that you have to play.

"The standards, we dictated. Have you seen Liverpool this season? They cannot do 100 points already—99 but not 100."

'We deserve a bad season'

While City's record remains intact, Guardiola acknowledged his team have fallen short of their usual standards this season.

He recalled a recent conversation with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan, now at Barcelona, about how the Premier League has changed.

"I asked 'Gundo' yesterday, 'two years ago you were here, you spent a year in Barcelona, and now you're back—have you noticed a difference in the Premier League?'" Guardiola said.

"He told me the difference is massive, unbelievable. The teams are much, much better in all departments. People prepare so well.

"We have struggled due to injuries, and many players have had too many minutes and are emotionally drained.

"But guys, we deserve to have a bad season. We deserve not to be like we were. They are human beings—it can happen. We weren't consistent, and we haven't had players at their best.

"This is the first time that me and many of the players have been in this situation, but we have to accept it. What happened in the past was not normal."

City struggling despite possession

Guardiola pointed out that City's biggest issue this season has been their inability to capitalise on possession, something they once dominated with ruthless efficiency.

"I accept that when the opponents have the ball, I'm going to suffer," he said.

"But now we are suffering when we have the ball. That never happened before, and right now, I cannot change it. We are suffering because we are human beings."

City will look to bounce back when they host Newcastle on 10 February in a crucial clash in the race for the top four.