Pep Guardiola
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Guardiola reveals the ‘big advantage’ Liverpool have had over City in title race

Man City boss Pep Guardiola reckons Liverpool being knocked out of both the Carabao and FA Cup’s early has been a big advantage to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Reigning Premier League champions Man City won the Carabao Cup and will face Watford in the final of FA Cup next months, as they look to secure a historic domestic treble.

Liverpool regained top spot in the Premier League last night in this most relentless of title races, with City facing a tough away trip to Burnley tomorrow.

Speaking ahead of the clash at Turf Moor, Guardiola was asked if City have an advantage over Liverpool due to their Champions League exit to Spurs, with Klopp’s side set to have the added distraction of a semi-final with Spanish giants Barcelona.

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However, Guardiola was quick to dismiss those suggestions, insisting it was in fact Liverpool who had the advantage earlier on this season because of his side’s involvement in the domestic cups.

“When that happens in November, December, January, February that helps a lot. That happened for Liverpool. In that period it was better for Liverpool than us,” Guardiola told his pre-match press conference.

“But to be involved in the Champions League semi-finals – you are not tired. You do not feel any pain. That is a better position to be in, to be in the semi-finals.

“The toughest months in this competition are December, January, February when they had two weeks in training camps and we had to be here playing every three days. That is a big advantage for the opponent.”

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