Manchester City

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Nico Gonzalez says he does not see himself as a replacement for injured midfielder Rodri, as he spoke about settling into the Manchester City side following his move from Porto at the start of February.

Rodri has missed most of the season with a serious knee injury.

"I don't see myself as the replacement for Rodri, I see myself as another player," said Gonzalez, who joined City from Porto during the January transfer window.

"But I was raised in Barcelona and I've always more or less played the way we play here, so I've got used to playing here very quickly.

"Obviously the team plays really well, there are also players close to me and everyone wants the ball every time so it's easy to find players and find passes.

"The quality of the players is so good so for me it's easier to play here than the team I used to play."

Sunday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool left fourth-placed City 20 points behind the league leaders, but they have a chance to bounce back quickly from that defeat when they face Tottenham on Wednesday (19:30 GMT).

Gonzalez added: "I think everyone has the will to improve the situation, to win all the matches and you've seen the intensity and the courage all players have played with.

"I think it's just time. We need time to start winning but we did a really good match one week ago [beating Newcastle 4-0]. Here [against Liverpool] we did a good match but we didn't get the win we wanted."

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Former Manchester City defender and England captain Steph Houghton says Pep Guardiola must use the rest of the campaign to "build for next season".

"It's hard to explain," she told the Monday Breakfast Club on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Anyone connected with the club is thinking 'hHow did we go from winning four in a row to these performances', especially at this point of the season where City usually kick on.

"They're so experienced winning games week in, week out and applying that pressure.

"It's obvious to see there's going to be a transition at the club in terms of players leaving - including some big players who have been there a long time. The effort was there and the hard work was there but, overall, Liverpool have been without doubt the best team this season."

When asked if the signs of a City rebuild are already visible, she added: "In terms of the wingers, Savinho and [Jeremy] Doku, you can see them being there a long time.

"They played well but the end product wasn't there and that's what you get with young players. The inconsistency of performance was always going to be there to see.

"[Abdukodir] Khusanov is getting a bit more confident. His pace is there and they needed that after Kyle Walker left. Slowly but surely you can see it, but it's going to take time.

"They know the league is not there to be won this year, so they need to use these months to hopefully qualify for the Champions League and build for next season."

Listen to the Monday Breakfast Club on BBC Radio 5 Live from 07:51

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Manchester City fan Rachel Herdson says she was "disappointed" that Pep Guardiola's side failed to "lay a glove" on Premier League title contenders Liverpool in their 2-0 home defeat on Sunday.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Herdson added: "They just couldn't find a way through. You have to give Liverpool some credit for setting up the way they did, - I think that is probably the blueprint to beat us.

"The teams that have had success against us this season have been happy to concede possession, knowing that in the final third we have no cutting edge. We had no cutting edge in there against Liverpool and that really did frustrate us.

"There were a number of times where Jeremy Doku got to the byeline, only to look up and see seven or eight red shirts and no options.

"We didn't really lay a glove on Liverpool, and that was really disappointing. It looked like the belief had been zapped out of us at 2-0.

"At any point in this game, Liverpool could have stepped it up a gear - and that's the real frustration because we didn't really make them work for it.

"The number of points separating the teams fighting for that fourth spot is incredible. There are a lot of teams who have still got to play each other, so I think that's where our excitement is and realistically what we have to concentrate on now."

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Liverpool.

The result moved the Reds 20 points clear of Pep Guardiola's side.

Here are some of your comments:

Stella: Same stuff from City at home - no midfield vision, over-complicated possession, clueless defending and lack of leadership on the pitch or, arguably, off it. We were outclassed by Liverpool, who looked untroubled for most of the game. Real shame to see how much Kevin de Bruyne's game has deteriorated. The elephant in the room (or Etihad)... I'm not convinced Pep Guardiola has either the mindset or the capacity to break out of the now redundant tiki-taka game. Yes, it was brilliant, but it was of its time, which has now gone.

Louie: Needed to get the ball over the line. Dominated the game but it's the counter-attacks that affect us when we leave too many men forward.

Trevor: A sad reflection of past years. At least six or seven players need moving on. 100% blame on Pep - he failed to buy full-backs that would make a big difference. Gone are the days when 90% of games were played in the opposition half and the defence wasn't needed.

Alun: I'm strangely encouraged. Good effort from all City players on the field. A disappointing result at home of course, but I think Pep's comments on Match of the Day were fair. We are building.

Jacko: We need to stop getting so down on ourselves. We just got beaten by the champions-elect and this was always going to be a tough month.

David: This is a major rebuild of the team - all the hysteria about what's going on is way over the top. The team will be unrecognisable next season, that's for sure. Hopefully a good summer window and things will improve. Just relax and enjoy the next ride.

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's two Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

• Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea

• Newcastle 4-3 Nottingham Forest

• Man City 0-2 Liverpool

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a good game. Tight game in the first half, first half it was more open and the second half they defended very deep.

"They always have the threat but it is not easy to control it. We dropped them. Through our pressing or build-up, dropped the team there. I think Doku and Savinho played an incredible game and get to the byline a lot but then just from there we missed the magic. We played really good so I have no regrets.

"The chances in the final third, when we want to shoot and cross, for the amount we arrived there we did not create much.

"I saw a bright future. Other than than Kevin [de Bruyne] and Nathan [Ake], they are the future of this club in the next years, with others who will come in future windows.

"So many players are here playing but we know Erling [Haaland] will come and we have important absences. Everyone was really, really good.

"The first goal from the corner but we tried to play and I know how the opponent will play. Second half they were 11 players in the box. We did well because they don't want to do that. Big compliment to them but I am very pleased with the way we play."

Will Haaland be back for Wednesday?: "I don't know. I am not saying we didn't get the result because Erling was not there. That is unfair on the other players. We could finish more but in general it is fine."

How did Khusanov play?: "Really good in Madrid playing in right-back and controlling Vinicius and today so fast and disciplined. Of course he has to improve and he has incredible ability. Nico [Gonzalez] and Omar [Marmoush] too but is not easy for them against a physical team."

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City have conceded the game's opening goal on 12 occasions in the Premier League this season - already the joint-most in a single campaign under Pep Guardiola after 2019-20.

City now trail Liverpool by 20 points in the table - the furthest they have been away from the top of the table at the end of a day since 14th July 2020, when they were 21 points behind the Reds.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Liverpool's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Two matches make up Sunday's Premier League action and we will bring you every kick.

• Newcastle v Nottingham Forest (14:00) - follow the action here

• Man City v Liverpool (16:30) - follow the action here

All kick-off times GMT

Full commentary of both games on BBC Radio 5 Live

Manchester City basically waved the white flag at the Bernabeu on Wednesday and, without Erling Haaland, lacked belief against Real Madrid from the off.

Let's be frank, it was a shambolic performance from Pep Guardiola's side, with a real lack of intensity.

Part of the pickle City found themselves in was down to the way Pep had set them up.

I don't know how many times Abdukodir Khusanov had played at right-back before, but it cannot be many, and the combination of Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan in central midfield alongside Nico Gonzalez just didn't work. They didn't have the legs to cope with Real.

It ended up being really disappointing as a contest. Real were always favourites but when City lose, you at least expect them to go down fighting.

Instead, it was over after less than five minutes. They never believed they could win and how many times have you said that about a Pep team?

Liverpool had a tricky time of it against Aston Villa in midweek but they must think they can get at this City side too.

Sutton's prediction: 1-3

Read the full predictions and have your say here

BBC Sounds has launched a new four-part boxset hosted by renowned BBC News anchor and lifelong Manchester City fan Clive Myrie.

The series explores the story of Manchester City and one of the most significant sporting legal cases in history.

Clive explores the club's history, focusing on the change in ownership from former exile and ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Sheikh Mansour, who purchased the club for £200m in 2008.

He looks at the club's rise, marked by key signings like Brazilian star Robinho and major trophies won under managers Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola.

Clive also investigates the ongoing legal battle, with 115 charges against the club - which City strongly deny - stemming from data leaks reported by German newspaper Der Spiegel.

Additional reactive episodes will follow after the final verdict of the case, offering an in-depth analysis of the decision once it is announced.

Listen to the first four parts of the series on BBC Sounds

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Mohamed Salah's goal and assist against Aston Villa on Wednesday placed him level with Erling Haaland for the most goal contributions of any player since the Norwegian came to the Premier League - teeing up Sunday's clash between their sides almost perfectly.

As well as boasting more goals, Haaland is also more clinical than the Egyptian, with his 24.3% shot-conversion rate superior to Salah's 18.2%.

Most would say Salah is having the better 2024-25 so far, though. He needs only six assists in the remaining 12 matches to break the Premier League's single-season assist record and only needs nine goals or assists to surpass Andy Cole and Alan Shearer to have the most goal involvements in a top-flight campaign.

Who will come out on top at the Etihad on Sunday?

Listen to Man City v Liverpool live on BBC Radio 5 Live at 16:30 GMT on Sunday

Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola first provided an update on striker Erling Haaland's availability for the weekend: "Don't know yet. Tomorrow we will know it, but I don't know. It's better to have Erling on the pitch but, obviously, we don't have it."

• On defender John Stones, who was withdrawn against Real Madrid in midweek: "He's injured. It's a difficult one - in the next hours and days we will know whether he needs surgery or not."

• When he was pressed on whether Stones is set for a longer period of time on the sidelines, he said: "Yes, like Manuel Akanji [who is out for eight to 10 weeks after suffering an abductor injury in the first leg of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid]."

• On whether Kevin de Bruyne can still play in big games: "Yeah, of course. He played against Real Madrid at home - of course he can play. It was my decision. The relationship with Kevin is exceptional. I cannot thank enough what he has done for me, for the team, everybody. It's never, ever personal or that I am upset."

• Asked what he wants to see from his side on Sunday, Guardiola said: "We can compete with any team. We have two central defenders out for two to three months. The Premier League is massively important for us. In the Premier League, we have played really good games."

• He added: "We are not stable but in other games, such as against Newcastle, we have been at a high level. We will try to play a good game and get the points we need to stay up there to qualify [for the Champions League] next season."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to Man City v Liverpool live on BBC Radio 5 Live at 16:30 on Sunday

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In just six Premier League matches in 2025, Manchester City have scored 20 goals from only 81 shots, a league-high conversion rate of 24.7% this year. Their shot conversion between August and December was only 9.6%.

Forward Jack Grealish, Kevin de Bruyne and fellow midfielder Bernardo Silva are expected to headline an exodus of Manchester City players this summer as Pep Guardiola rebuilds his squad. (Daily Star, external)

Bayer Leverkusen's Germany forward Florian Wirtz, 21, and Juventus' Italy full-back Andrea Cambiaso, 25, are among City's potential summer targets. (Mirror), external

Guardiola is committed to putting things right at Etihad Stadium, but if he were to ask to leave, the club would not stand in his way. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

BBC Sounds has launched a new four-part boxset hosted by renowned BBC News anchor and lifelong Manchester City fan Clive Myrie.

The series explores the story of Manchester City and one of the most significant sporting legal cases in history.

Clive explores the club's history, focusing on the change in ownership from former exile and ex-Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Sheikh Mansour, who purchased the club for £200m in 2008.

He looks at the club's rise, marked by key signings like Brazilian star Robinho and major trophies won under managers Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola.

Clive also investigates the ongoing legal battle, with 115 charges against the club - which City strongly deny - stemming from data leaks reported by German newspaper Der Spiegel.

Find all episodes on BBC Sounds