Guardiola has ‘no reason’ to doubt Man City’s Premier League title chances

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield on Saturday had not dented his confidence ahead of their Premier League title defence.

Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez helped Liverpool in the season’s curtain-raiser at the King Power Stadium, with new signing Julian Alvarez scoring City’s goal.

“There is no reason not to be confident,” Guardiola told reporters. “No reason. What these guys have done, not just in the Premier League but the (domestic) cups and Europe (says it all).

“I don’t know what will happen this season but I’m sure I know these guys. I have no doubts for one second.

“Days ago we played against Bayern Munich and did a very good performance and against Liverpool we did very good things. I don’t feel that we are far away.”

Guardiola left Kalvin Phillips on the bench in the Community Shield but said the England international, who was signed from Leeds United in a deal reportedly worth $54.81 million, will be gradually eased into the team.

“He has confidence - he’s ready to play,” Guardiola said. “He only arrived three weeks ago and we have Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan who know our play already. But step by step he will get it. In many games he is going to help us.”

City kick off their bid to win a third straight Premier League title with a trip to West Ham United on 7 August.