When you look elsewhere, you drop points- Pep Guardiola

The defending champions need to win each and every game from now on to retain their title.

The race for the Premier League title between Manchester City and Liverpool has already begun heating up, as there is a difference of just two points between the two sides going into the final stretch pf the season.

Liverpool, who are currently sitting on top of the table have played a game more than their counterparts City, who visit lowly Fulham in their next match. Meanwhile, the Reds face tougher opposition in Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield later on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp's side suffered a defeat against City earlier in January, their only loss of the season and are currently in excellent form, which has seen them win three of their last five fixtures while drawing two.

However, ahead of his side’s visit to Craven Cottage, Pep Guardiola insists he is not worried by the Reds’ current form. With eight games to go, City still have a good chance of retaining the title, given they win each and every fixture.

“It is better not to look too much at your neighbour [Liverpool]," Guardiola said. “They also are still in Champions League. When you look elsewhere, you drop points.”

The defending champions are too in a solid run of form both at domestically as well as in Europe. A couple of defeats during the Christmas period against Leicester City and Crystal Palace had seen them fall down to third, behind Spurs, however they bounced back as strong as they could. Defeating the likes of Arsenal and Everton. However, in that spell, City also produced a 6-0 mauling of Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

Nevertheless, Guardiola is wary of the threat that the smaller opposition poses saying, “We saw that you can get beaten by anyone, so we must focus. I prefer to be in front - it's all about our performances.”

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“To win titles? Win every game. It's about playing with pressure, it's a game here, then another, anything can happen. But, the only option is to win, then we see how far we go. Destiny is still in our hands.”

“I'm not thinking about Liverpool. It doesn't matter what they are doing. You need to get back in the rhythm. Everyone has their own situation,” added the Spaniard.

Furthermore, the 48-year-old expressed delight in the fact that Benjamin Mendy is back in training and is fit to step back onto the field again. Mendy was on the sidelines since November due to a reported knee injury, but Guardiola confirmed that the defender has successfully recovered from it.

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“Mendy has been consistent, no problem. He's able to get a week training and the knee is good. The physicality is not a problem. I don't have doubts.”

“He will play minutes. There are many situations that will come. Players not involved have to change that. We all train together, but it depends, they have to show me,” the manager concluded.