Exclusive:Former Liverpool striker disagrees with Pep Guardiola’s title assessment ahead of Man City clash

Ian Rush has claimed Manchester City’s title hopes will not be over even if they lose against Liverpool this weekend.

The Premier League champions head to Anfield on the back of a run of six games without winning, which includes three straight Premier League losses. That run has seen City drop eight points behind Liverpool in the title race, a gap which will extend to 11 if the Reds win this weekend.

Pep Guardiola and Ilkay Gundogan have both claimed that Sunday’s game is a must win for City if they want to remain in the title race. However, former Liverpool striker Rush feels City can still finish first even if they lose at Anfield.

“It’s going to be a difficult game,” the Welshman told Manchester World. ”Everyone says if Liverpool beat Man City, the title is gone. I disagree with that completely because Manchester City come good in January and have done for years and years. We got taught that’s the most important part, after January.

“The game is at Anfield which does help. I think we are going into the games in the past where we have to beat Man City to stand a chance; now I feel like if we don’t lose against Manchester City [that’s a good result] - that’s a different thing. That’s how good a start Liverpool have had.”

Rush was speaking to Manchester World after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Northwest Football Awards.

“It’s really great to get recognised at 63,” he said at the event in Manchester. “You never forget it and it’s something very special. These awards, for local football, that’s what it’s all about. That’s where football really starts, with teams from non-league, League Two. That’s what it’s all about.

“To win the Lifetime Achievement Award is very special for me. When I see the previous people who have won it before it made it feel special.”