Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola insisted that "there are many things to fight for" after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah both scored at Anfield as the Reds ran out two-goal winners, with Man City's winless run in all competitions being stretched to seven matches, including six defeats.
Man City have now lost each of their last four league games to Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, which has left them fifth in the Premier League table, 11 points off leaders Liverpool.
Guardiola took the positives from the game with Arne Slot's team and refused to be too disheartened by his side's latest disappointing result.
"The first 15-20 minutes they were unstoppable, they started so strong, we tried to play with a lot of control and passes, but it was difficult to take it. They deserved the first goal, but we started the first half so well and played well in the second half without too much threat. I know how strong Liverpool are in both boxes," Guardiola told Sky Sports News.
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Man City are now 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool
"I congratulate them and we'll reset and start from zero and it is difficult to believe it. I rely a lot on these players, I know they are doing in this position. We'll see what happens by the end of the season.
"We can always do the short passes, and we can do it, but we don't have many alternatives. All I can say is thank you to them because I know the commitment that they showed with and without the ball. Maybe I had a feeling inside me that we will build from them. We will restart and try and make a good run.
"There is a moment where maybe it will click. Today Kevin [De Bruyne] played good minutes and Jack [Grealish] played well in that position and Jeremy [Doku] played good minutes after a month out. Bernardo [Silva] and Rico [Lewis] have a lot of minutes in their legs.
"Nathan [Ake] was exceptional against maybe one of the great wingers. I congratulate Liverpool, they deserve the victory and we accept the situation right now and we'll build from that.
"We didn't have a pre-season and then injuries, but we know that and we have to survive with that. We competed but didn't create many chances.
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Guardiola 'surprised' by reaction of Liverpool supporters
"We don't have the pace in the middle right now and they are stronger in the duels and you have to survive with the ball. We're not good in transitions over 30-40 metres compared to them. We had to adapt and we did it. I cannot forget which players I have.
"I am here sitting as a manager and defending what we have done in the past thanks to them and more than ever I want to be with them and hug them. We have to change results and in the right time we will take the decision.
"All the stadiums want to sack me, it started at Brighton! Maybe they are right with the results we've been having. I didn't expect that at Anfield. They didn't do it at 1-0, but at 2-0. Maybe they should have sung it in the past. I didn't expect it from the people from Liverpool but it's fine, it's part of the game, and I understand completely. We've had incredible battles together. I have a respect for them.
"I said before this game that we weren't in a position to think about targets but the season is long. We have to think about making results and then some players will come back and then we'll be better and we'll believe maybe. There are many things to fight for and we're going to try."
Man City will be aiming to bounce back from their latest disappointment when they welcome Nottingham Forest to the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
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