Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City’s motivation to defend their Premier League title should not be called into question.
City suffered a lacklustre 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday, despite Sergio Aguero giving them the lead at St James’ Park after 24 seconds.
The impact of a fourth defeat in their past nine league matches was softened by leaders Liverpool being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester City 24 hours later, with the gap at the summit standing at five points before City host Arsenal on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are being propelled by a weight of history – the 18-time English champions chasing a first top-flight crown for 29 years – but Guardiola has no doubts over the desire for his club to claim a fourth title in eight seasons.
“But if we did not have the motivation we would not be here, where we are – in all competitions, in another final in the [EFL] Cup, being there in the Champions League, finishing first [in the group] and [qualifying for] the last 16 and in the league being there.
“It could not be possible. It is a process many times when the people say you are the perfect team and you are unbeatable. This kind of thing is now a long time ago but my answer was the same.
“This week it was difficult for the top six to win their games. But these are the challenges and we want to face them.”