Pep Guardiola has firmly dismissed Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s suggestion that entertaining football should take priority over winning trophies, insisting that success remains the ultimate measure of a manager.

The Manchester City boss made his stance clear ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield, as City look to keep their fading title hopes alive with Arsenal holding a commanding six-point lead at the summit.

Speaking earlier in the week, Slot sparked debate by stating he would rather see Liverpool play attractive football than accumulate more trophies — comments that quickly drew attention across the football world.

Guardiola, however, was unequivocal in his response.

“If you want to be a manager, it is better to win trophies — always,” he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

The Spaniard, whose possession-based philosophy has delivered six Premier League titles, four domestic cups and a UEFA Champions League trophy for City, stressed that style and success are closely linked.

“You do not always have the chance to play nice football,” Guardiola explained.

“Everything is related, because when you win, you almost always play well. You try to win in the best way possible with the players you have and with what you believe in.”

Liverpool, who began the season hoping to mount a serious title defence, currently sit sixth on the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal — a sharp contrast to preseason expectations.

City’s own title chances appear slim according to Opta’s supercomputer, which gives Guardiola’s side just a 5.7 per cent probability of lifting a seventh Premier League crown, while Arsenal are favoured in 91.2 per cent of simulations.

Despite enduring a difficult run — winning only one of their last six league matches in 2026 — Guardiola remains optimistic, noting that consistency, not panic, is the missing ingredient.

“Are we at the top level? Not yet,” he admitted. “But we are improving. There are still 14 games left. In my experience, that is an eternity. Anything can happen.”

Guardiola also acknowledged the growing competitiveness of the league, adding that the challenge is not unique to Manchester City.

“Every season it is getting more difficult — for all teams,” he said.

Sunday’s encounter at Anfield is expected to serve as a crucial test of City’s resurgence as they attempt to close the gap on Arsenal and reignite their Premier League title push.