Friday 27 February 2015 16:56, UK
Pablo Zabaleta insists Manchester City are fully focussed on the game against Liverpool, following a disappointing result against Barcelona in midweek.
City lost 2-1 at the Etihad on Tuesday, but thanks to Joe Hart’s last minute penalty save, after Zabaleta’s foul on Lionel Messi, they still have a chance of progressing.
The Argentine claimed the players’ did not dwell on the result, instead concentrating on Sunday’s fixture, against in-form Liverpool.
“It is important that you rest properly in-between games and focus on the next game which is Liverpool on Sunday,” said Zabaleta.
“We know how crucial the game is and Liverpool are playing very well at the moment, even though they lost to Besiktas on Thursday evening.
“It’s always been a tough place for us to go but hopefully we can get the three points we need and take advantage of Chelsea playing in the Capital One Cup final.
“We have been strong away from home all season and we must continue that form until the end of the season.”
City have struggled at Anfield during the Premier League era, having not won in their last 12 fixtures there and only once in 17 games overall.
Last season’s dramatic 3-2 win for the hosts seemed to have swung the momentum in last season’s title race over to Brendan Rodgers side, before City recovered to win their remaining fixtures and clinch the title on the final day.
“It was really hard because we had fought back from two goals down so to lose the game so late on was difficult,” he said.
“But we showed great team spirit and had a great reaction after that defeat and that’s why we won the title.
“We will go there to win but are expecting a tough 90 minutes but we can close the gap at the top to just two points so this is a huge game for us.”
Watch Liverpool v Manchester City live on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday at 11.30am
