Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City’s 3-1 defeat to rivals Liverpool in the FA Community Shield is not any indication of the Blues’ fortunes this season.
Manchester City’s pre-season ended in defeat in the traditional ‘curtain raiser’ game held at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from summer recruit Darwin Nuñez, as well as Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold saw Liverpool best the Premier League champions on the day.
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With only two pre-season friendlies played in the build-up to the match, a flat start from a new-look Manchester City squad may have been expected, but nonetheless disappointing.
Despite the lacklustre performance from Pep Guardiola’s side, the Manchester City boss believes there is nothing yet to worry about when it comes to the Blues’ upcoming campaign.
“There is no reason not to be confident, no reason,” Pep Guardiola insisted.
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“What these guys have done, not just in the Premier League, but in the cups and the steps we have made in Europe and in many things.
“I don't know what will happen at the end of the season or during the season. I don’t know.
"But I am pretty sure I know these guys and I would never, ever doubt for one second about that.
Pep Guardiola continued, "We lost a final, we would prefer to win. We have a lot of respect and credit for the opponent.
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“We know what the standard is and we will reach the standards as quickly as possible and maintain what we have always done.”
Pep Guardiola’s side also tasted defeat to Leicester City in the 2021/22 Community Shield at Wembley, but by the early fall had hit their stride and were crowned champions of England by the spring.
This Sunday, the Etihad club will have a chance to get on track, as they travel to West Ham for opening weekend Premier League duties.
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It is in this game that Pep Guardiola believes his City side can be judged.
“We are where we are right now.
"We made an incredible performance against Bayern Munich and on Saturday we did many, many good things,” Guardiola said.
“I don’t feel, because we know each other well, that we are far, far away.
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“But the games against West Ham and after Bournemouth will dictate our level and what we have to do.
"And if the process is not perfect, we will correct and improve. This is going to happen.”
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
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Adam Booker