Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits they need a lot of prayer to close the gap on runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Liverpool have a 14-point lead over City going into 2020, having dropped just two points in the league all season.

Asked how City can compete with Jurgen Klopp's side in future, Guardiola replied: "Work harder, play better, and pray.

"This is a fantastic team. We've had problems with injuries, which sometimes happens. But Liverpool have been incredible — European champions and they have dropped just two points.

"We have to congratulate them. I know the distance is not what it should be but it is what it is."