Vincent Kompany claims even defeat against Liverpool won’t stop Man City from retaining their title.
The Premier League champions would fall 10 points behind Jurgen Klopp’s leaders if they lose Thursday’s top of the table showdown.
But Kompany is convinced Pep Guardiola’s side will still be able to recover and successfully defend their crown - just as they did when overhauling Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United with virtually the last kick of the season in 2012.
Sergio Aguero’s stoppage time winner against QPR gives Kompany belief City can still turn the title race around - no matter the result against Liverpool.
He said: “We overcame eight points in six games in the past. I don't live with that scenario in my head, of what happens if we lose.
“The moment I have to face the situation, at that moment I'll see what the options are.
“I promise you now - when you are 10 points behind, all of a sudden, if there are not many teams between you and first, it only takes one team to start having a bad month and you will be back in. I'm not thinking that much about that scenario.”
Three defeats in December have City playing catch-up - but Kompany adds: “It's easy for everybody to assume that everything rests on this game. I'm probably one of the only ones that disagrees, for the simple fact that we only had three games that we were below standard. That's how far we are now.
“It only takes the other teams three games below standard and if we play to our ability, we will be back in.
“I want us to win because it gives us a better chance. Any other result, as long as we get back to the team we are, I think we will compete still.
“From the experience the players have been through before, sometimes you can turn it around, sometimes it doesn't happen.
“Just now, when you are caught in the corner, you come out fighting. If we come out fighting, even if results don't go the way we want, because you can be lucky or unlucky in football sometimes and in life in general. If you come out fighting, eventually with the talent we have, we will get back on top of it.
“Hopefully, with enough time to catch up with Liverpool and to win other trophies as well.”
