Pep Guardiola has suggested that Manchester City were more of a match for Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final first leg than the 3-0 final result suggested.
The Premier League champions-elect were favourites for the tie against their compatriots but went on to ship three goals in the space of 31 first-half minutes on Wednesday night without being able to conjure up a response at the other end.
Despite the heavy defeat at Anfield, Guardiola claims that his charges had control of much of the game and is adamant that a comeback could still be on the cards.
"We showed up from the beginning, we started with enormous personality but they scored a goal," the Spaniard told BT Sport. "We continued to play but they scored two more goals. It is tough. They had 10-15 minutes in the first half when they were better.
"In the second half we tried everything but we couldn't find a goal. The first two goals, we had control of the game but they scored. I don't have too many regrets or complaints. Nobody believes but we have another game.
"They had two attacks and scored two goals. That was tough but for the rest of the game we were so, so good. We had to score a goal but they defended more. We have to accept it and now we have United at home and then Liverpool at home. We see what happens. Of course it is difficult but we believe."
Man City won 5-0 the last time that Liverpool played at the Etihad, last September in the Premier League.
Giuseppe Labellarte
