Pep Guardiola reveals main problem for Man City in Champions League thrashing to Liverpool

City travelled to Anfield on Tuesday night hoping to take charge of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

But first-half goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane blew the visitors away.

Manchester City failed to respond, despite having 66 per cent of the possession, with Liverpool stopper Loris Karius not having to make a single save.

Guardiola identified the main problem City faced while speaking in the wake of the 3-0 defeat that leaves his side with it all to do in the return leg.

"We didn't create clear chances because they defended deep," he said.

"We needed one goal but we couldn’t score it.

“Nobody believes we will go through. We will convince ourselves tomorrow.

"I believe a lot in my team. They've shown me lots of good things over the season. We have 90 minutes more and we're going to try it.

"[Manchester] United is coming at home then we have three days to prepare."

City's failure to score gives Liverpool an added advantage on top of their three-goal lead.

And Pep Guardiola recognised that, adding: "The clean sheet is so important for them.

"We are going to see how the players react.

"Accept the defeat, accept Liverpool being clinical and precise and we’ll see what happens next week."

City will be desperate to bounce back when they take on Manchester United on Saturday.

Guardiola’s side will secure the Premier League title if they win at the Etihad.

The return leg of their Champions League tie against Liverpool takes place next Tuesday.