Manchester: Manchester City do not have time to mull over Saturday’s 3-2 Premier League defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United and must concentrate on winning their Champions League tie against Liverpool on Tuesday, defender Danilo has said.
City could have sealed the league title with a win over their neighbours at the Etihad Stadium but United’s spectacular comeback, led by a brace from midfielder Paul Pogba, in the second half delayed their title celebrations.
Pep Guardiola’s side now turn their attention to overcoming a 3-0 deficit when they host Liverpool in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
“There’s a feeling of sadness and disappointment ... But we must turn the page as soon as possible because we have another big challenge on Tuesday,” Danilo told City’s website: “I could tell you many reasons why we didn’t win ... We win together and we lose together.
“We have to focus on what we did wrong and we must improve, but we must not forget what we did all season.” The result marked City’s second consecutive defeat in the space of a week and their first home league loss in 16 months. The former Real Madrid full-back also urged City’s fans to maintain the roaring atmosphere against Liverpool.
“They were amazing today and have been fantastic all season and they can help us so much,” Danilo added. “If they can repeat that against Liverpool it will give us a huge lift.”
City could seal the league title if they beat in-form Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, provided United suffer an unlikely defeat against bottom side West Bromwich Albion the next day.
