Pep Guardiola has admitted he was unsure as to how his Manchester City side would react in their match with Burnley on Saturday after being knocked down to second place in the Premier League by title rivals Liverpool.
Goals from Diogo Jota and Fabinho secured a 2-0 win in the early kick off at Anfield on Saturday and Liverpool briefly leapfrogged City to move to the summit of the league - for a couple of hours at least.
City had the three points wrapped up at Turf Moor by half-time after goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan and a blockbuster clash between Liverpool and City will take place on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.
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“I was a little bit concerned about this game,” Guardiola said. “Honestly, with all respect, more than the Liverpool game. I know against Liverpool how our people and our players will be.
“But here after the international break, to come back, just one training session together. Riyad (Mahrez) is sad after (missing World Cup qualification). Riyad, if he qualified, maybe he would have played.
“Ten days off, you never know. That is why I am more than pleased for the victory and to continue the fight against Liverpool.”
Liverpool and City are both in Champions League quarter-final action on Tuesday night as the Reds travel to Benfica while the Premier League leaders host Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.
