Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City players have a point to prove against newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool tonight.
Jurgen Klopp’s side visit the Etihad in their first game since securing the title, which has spent the last two years at City.
Guardiola is determined to mount a fightback next term – and wants to put down an early marker right away.
“In sport you have to prove every time,” he said. “We are incredibly satisfied with what we are doing. But for athletes it is never enough.
“The past is past. We have done remains in our souls, our memories, but the show must go on.
“It is a new chapter in our lives and we have to live it. The memories are nice for a glass of wine for your friends, your family.
“The people will say I don’t have to show anything. I am completely the opposite. Every time you have to do it again.”
Guardiola accepts City were unable to handle the consistency shown by Liverpool.
“First of all (we learned) that a team was better, who play at an outstanding level in every single game and we have to do more,” he said. “Football helps you to understand an incredible education that another one was better and you have to try to reduce this gap.
“From the last game Newcastle, tomorrow and the future, we have to work harder and do better.
“We are going to make Liverpool feel next season, and the other opponents, to try to fight with them for the next chapters in the Premier League.”
Eric Garcia is back in contention for City after suffering concussion.
Guardiola has been careful to rotate his team since restart due to the high volume of games.
Predicted Man City XI vs Liverpool: Ederson, Walker, Cancelo, Laporte, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Silva; Mahrez, Jesus, Sterling
