Guardiola hails City's response: 'One of my happiest days as manager'
Pep Guardiola admitted he felt as happy after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool as he has at any point in his decorated managerial career.
A pulsating encounter with Jurgen Klopp's Reds led to a share of the points at the Etihad Stadium, but it was Manchester City's gutsy performance that left Guardiola beaming in the postmatch interview tunnel.
Glum with Wednesday's elimination from the Champions League knockout stage, City played an open match and went toe to toe with a well-rested and fully loaded Liverpool side.
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Guardiola wanted to see a reaction after the midweek loss to Monaco, and that's exactly what he got.
"After our defeat in the Champions League, the last few days people were so, so sad. In the training sessions, people don't talk too much. We arrive here after one week - but all season Liverpool don't have European competition, so one week to prepare for that game. And how we fight, how we run, how we put our spirit there - it is one of the happiest days of my life as a manager," Guardiola told Sky Sports.
"And the way we played, of course we can concede some chances, but we create again more than the opponent, like the Chelsea game, like the Tottenham game. Our problem is we don't score goals. And when this happens, there is nothing to do. At least show that we have the spirit that we didn't have in the first half at Monaco. That's why we're out (of the Champions League)."
The attack-minded Spaniard collected 21 trophies over seven successful seasons with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but his time in Manchester has not been an instant hit.
Guardiola said prior to the weekend's marquee matchup that he was better equipped to win silverware at his previous clubs, emphasising that at City it's more about the process.
He has fiercely defended his philosophy of football - playing from the back and dominating possession - despite repeated inquests from the media and supporters over the past few months.
And that is why this kind of result is encouraging.
"When you approach one game when you are winning 10 games in a row or in a good mood, it is nothing special," he said. "But you have to consider the conditions we played that game today, out of Champions League, playing against Liverpool, one of the best teams, how we played against them.
"Of course they are a top team, good counter-attack ... they are exceptional players. But how we played after the situation we have lived these two, three days means a lot for me.
Told of Guardiola's excitement after the match, Klopp responded, "He's Spanish. They're more emotional than the Germans."