Pep Guardiola has admitted he was surprised to hear Liverpool fans calling for him to be sacked during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat.
After Mohamed Salah’s late penalty sealed the result, Liverpool fans broke into a chorus of “sacked in the morning” at Guardiola’s expense as City fell 11 points behind the Reds in the Premier League title race.
Guardiola quickly responded to the taunts by holding up six fingers – one for each of the Premier League titles he has won during his time in England.
Asked to explain his response, Guardiola 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.
“I am here sitting as a manager and defending what we have done in the past thanks to [the City players] and more than ever I want to be with them and hug them.”
Guardiola, who recently signed a new contract with City, previously acknowledged that the only reason he is not fighting for his job is because of his history with the club.