Pep Guardiola reacted calmly to the “sacked in the morning” chants from Liverpool fans during Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield. As Liverpool moved closer to extending their lead over City, the chants rang out in the 89th minute. Guardiola, known for his success at City with six Premier League titles since 2016, responded by smiling and gesturing with one hand to highlight the number of trophies his team has won under his guidance.

“I didn’t expect that at Anfield,” Guardiola said in an interview with Sky Sports after the match. “I understand completely, it’s part of the game.” Despite the negative chants, he acknowledged the intense rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool, adding that he respects the competition. City, currently fifth in the league, have now suffered four consecutive league losses, their worst run since 2008.

Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension last month, has presided over a golden era at City, which includes six Premier League titles and the club’s first-ever Champions League trophy. He also reflected on similar chants from other stadiums, including a notable incident at Brighton. While Manchester City’s form has dipped recently, Guardiola remains confident that the team will continue to fight for success.

Despite City’s struggles, some football analysts, including former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, believe City’s title chances this season are slim. Former City defender Micah Richards, however, disagreed, noting that while the team is underperforming, it’s too early to declare the end of their dominance. “They’re a shadow of their best,” Richards admitted, adding that some players have failed to meet Guardiola’s expectations.

Guardiola has expressed his determination to turn things around, despite the challenges. “We can’t handle it right now,” he conceded, but with 25 games remaining in the season, Guardiola remains hopeful. He also hinted that the club will evaluate what changes are necessary to return to their peak form.