Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola responds with gesture as Liverpool fans sing 'sacked in the morning' to him in PL clash

Liverpool fans rubbed salt on Pep Guardiola’s wounds with a mischievous chant during the Reds' clash against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, December 1. The Spanish tactician responded by holding up six fingers, indicating the number of Premier League titles he has won with City.

Arne Slot’s men welcomed Pep Guardiola’s City to Anfield for their 13th Premier League game of the 2024-25 season. Prior to the clash, the reigning Premier League champions were eight points behind league leaders Liverpool. Manchester City were also winless in their last six matches across competitions, including five defeats.

City's hopes of ending the winless run were initially dented by Cody Gakpo in the 12th minute. The Dutch forward put the Reds ahead after tapping home a cross from Mohamed Salah.

Midway through the second half, Manchester City were dominating the ball as the Reds defended in a compact block. However, they were undone when Luis Diaz raced through on goal only to be fouled by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in the 18-yard area. Salah stepped up and clinically dispatched the spot kick to double his side's lead (78').

Towards the end of the game, when Arne Slot's men were 2-0 up, the Anfield faithful started taunting Pep Guardiola by singing:

"You’re getting sacked in the morning."

Guardiola responded by holding up six fingers, reminding them that he has won six Premier League titles as Manchester City coach. He also made the same gesture after the match when he went to applaud the away supporters.

The Reds held on to their lead for the remaining minutes as they claimed a 2-0 victory and took all three points.

Manchester City are now fifth on the Premier League table, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. They have lost four consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since August 2008.

"We have always had respect" - Pep Guardiola on Arne Slot and Liverpool ahead of the clash

Ahead of City’s clash against the Reds, Pep Guardiola was asked about Arne Slot's brilliant start to life at Anfield. The Manchester City boss praised the Dutch tactician and claimed that Liverpool are lethal upfront.

Despite Guardiola’s domination in English football in the last eight years, the Spaniard has struggled at Anfield. In ten matches at the stadium, Guardiola has only won once as City’s manager - losing six games. He said (via Liverpool.com):

"(He's) really good. They have a more positional game, but the transitions are still there from every corner or free-kick for you, it is a transition for them. The weapons they have up front was always there with (Sadio) Mane, (Roberto) Firmino, (Mohamed) Salah - now with (Diogo) Jota, (Luis) Diaz, (Darwin) Nunez, Salah."

"We have always had respect, like in the past fighting the biggest battles ever against Liverpool, always a big consideration for this football club. Nothing changes, they have lost one game in all competitions. That means they are so stable and that is really good because we will learn from that."

Guardiola added:

"Always (against Liverpool) it has been the toughest. But now in the last years have been Arsenal, but over the years Liverpool has been the toughest one, definitely. Are Liverpool the best team in the world now? I don't know."

"They are one of the best for the results, Arne is doing an incredible job. But I don't know (if they are the world's best right now). Years ago, when people say City are the best, I don't pay attention for one second."