In the closing stages of Sunday’s encounter, Liverpool fans could be heard taunting Guardiola from the stands as they sang: “You’re getting sacked in the morning”.

And after the match, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager told Sky Sports: “All the stadiums want to sack me - it started at Brighton. Maybe they are right with the results we've been having.

“I didn't expect that at Anfield. They didn't do it at 1-0, but at 2-0. Maybe they should have sung it in the past. I didn't expect it from the people from Liverpool, but it's fine. It's part of the game and I understand completely. We've had incredible battles together. I have a respect for them.”

City were outclassed from start to finish against the Reds and fell behind 12 minutes into the match as Cody Gakpo turned in Mohamed Salah’s cross from close range.

Liverpool should have been out of sight well before they finally killed the game off as they squandered a hatful of chances. But when Salah struck a penalty with 12 minutes remaining, there was no way back for the visitors.

And Guardiola added: “We didn't have a pre-season and then [had] injuries, but we know that and we have to survive with that. We competed but didn't create many chances.

“We don't have the pace in the middle right now and they are stronger in the duels and you have to survive with the ball. We're not good in transitions over 30 or 40 metres compared to them. We had to adapt and we did it.

“I cannot forget which players I have. I am here sitting as a manager and defending what we have done in the past thanks to them and more than ever I want to be with them and hug them. We have to change results and in the right time we will take the decision."

He then explained: “We have to think about making results and then some players will come back and then we'll be better and we'll believe maybe. There are many things to fight for - and we're going to try.”