BLUES HAVE NOT LET GUARD DOWN

PEP GUARDIOLA believes he may have been sacked this season if he had been at any other club.

- SIMON MULLOCK

The Manchester City boss is desperate to repay chairman Khaldoon AI Mubarak, chief executive Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain for handing him a new two-year contract rather than giving him the boot in the toughest year of his managerial career.

Guardiola insists sealing a top-four slot now will be a major achievement after a record four Premier League titles on the spin.

City face table-topping Liverpool today and Guardiola said: "I have a contract for two more years so I don't have to make some compliments - but I have to do it.

"I've not been sacked for the results that happened (this season) because the results in the past have been extraordinary.