Guardiola resort to mind games ahead of facing Liverpool

Are Manchester City already waving the white flag—or is this all part of Pep Guardiola’s master plan to outfox Liverpool ahead of their Anfield showdown?

City’s shock 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur has left them five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, with the gap potentially widening to eight if the Reds defeat Southampton.

Guardiola’s post-match comments, suggesting City could be out of the title race if they lose next weekend, raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

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“If in the end we don’t win, it’s because we don’t deserve it,” Guardiola said, painting a picture of resigned acceptance. Meanwhile, City defender Kyle Walker warned his teammates that they risk being “walked over” by Liverpool if their form doesn’t improve.

But is this really about conceding defeat—or setting a trap?

Guardiola has long been known for his psychological strategies. By downplaying his team’s chances, he could be easing the pressure on his squad while planting overconfidence in Liverpool’s camp. Similarly, Walker’s candid remarks may be a rallying cry cloaked as vulnerability, a way to galvanize City while keeping the Reds guessing.

With City’s Champions League clash against Feyenoord looming before their Anfield trip, the timing of these statements feels calculated. Could Guardiola and his men be setting the stage for a dramatic resurgence?

One thing is certain: the stakes for next Sunday’s clash just got even higher. Mind games or not, the Premier League spotlight will be firmly fixed on Anfield.