City blew the Reds away on Sunday as Erling Haaland, after he had failed from the penalty spot, struck, along with Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku.
“I don’t want to betray myself. I love when we take the ball, and we pass it,” said Guardiola after his 1,000 managerial appearance.
“That’s why we press high to regain the ball quick. I like to see my team play short passes and the guys who have the ability to run one v one have to do it.
“The first half was very good offensively and defensively. We had the threat in behind. The second half, we talk about the duels. Our mindset is to win the ball.
“What is it when I have the ball and I make an extra pass and don’t lose the ball? We talk a lot about that in the last few days.
“In the second half, in the first few minutes we lose the ball and that makes it more difficult.
“It was more difficult for Rayan because the space was more on the left for the way we defend.
“The whole back four, Bernie, Nico were outstanding. Thank you to the players and staff for the incredible present in this game to win against the most important rival we have faced in this 10 years here.
“It has been nice to play against them - Virgil, Robertson, Salah - we have done a 1,000 battles.
“I think Pep Lijnders, my assistant, represents a bit of Jurgen in a small way. It has been a special night with my kids here, so it was good.”