Man City: Title win difficult after defeat - Manuel Pellegrini

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says he will not give up on the Premier League title but accepts it will be more difficult after Sunday's defeat to Liverpool.

Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho scored as the Reds won 2-1 at Anfield, with Edin Dzeko getting City's goal.

The defeat leaves the reigning champions five points behind leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand.

"You never know in football what will happen," said Pellegrini.

"It is more difficult when you have less games and you continue with the same points, but I don't think the team can think about that.

"I think we never give up about the title. We must try to improve our play first and after that try to win our next game."

City have won just three of their eight league games in 2015 but will be confident of improving that record with upcoming games against two of the sides in the bottom three.

They host bottom-club Leicester on Wednesday before travelling to Burnley, who are 18th, on 14 March.

Pellegrini suggested how his players respond to the Liverpool defeat will be crucial to determining their chances of retaining the league title.

"We will see in the reaction in the next game," he added. "The only way to see is the way we play again on Wednesday.

"I hope that the team will recover and we can win on Wednesday. Every point we drop is more difficult."