Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claims there is no chance that his side can catch up with Liverpool in the Premier League title race this season, despite their 6-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Riyad Mahrez was one of City's stand-out performers on the day as City moved back into second place in the league standings.
The win put Guardiola's men 14 points behind the Reds having played a game more.
The Spaniard has previously conceded the title has already been won.
Asked once more about the potential of catching Liverpool and defending their league-winning crown, Guardiola was adamant that what he has previously stated still stands.
He said: "Forget about it. We would have liked to fight against them but we could not, for many reasons."
City failed to replace Vincent Kompany during the summer transfer window and have had defensive issues ever since, with Aymeric Laporte having been out injured.
The French centre-back, though, is expected to return shortly having made good progress in his recovery.
Liverpool travel to the Etihad to face Guardiola and City on April 4.
