Pep Guardiola believes he can see a way out of Manchester City's poor form.
The City manager gave the Anfield faithful six fingers on Sunday - for each of the Premier League titles he has won in England - in response to those who mocked him for saying he was "sacked in the morning".
A seventh title appears to be on the cards after Liverpool's deserved 2-0 win over City at Anfield on Sunday extended their lead over Guardiola's men to 11 points.
City have not won any of their last seven games in all competitions, losing six, but Guardiola can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
He suggested that one of his team's famous winning streaks was possible despite the absence of influential midfielder Rodri and some other lingering fitness issues.
"Some players have made an effort not to play in their position because we have no alternative," he told Sky Sports after the Liverpool defeat. "All I can do is thank them because I know the dedication they put in with the ball and without it.
I don't know, maybe it's something in me, I feel we have to come back and try to make some good runs and win some games."
Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake both impressed in an unassisted quarter-final at Anfield, while Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish - who have all struggled with injuries to varying degrees this season - produced animated films.
"There are times when maybe we have to make a move. Kevin had some good minutes today. "We need that pace and I haven't seen it in the last few games," Guardiola said.
"Jack played well in that position (center midfield) too and Jeremy had some good minutes after a month out.
"Bernard (Silva) and Rico (Lewis) had a lot of minutes on their feet and Nathan was exceptional against one of the toughest wingers of all time, Mohamed Salah.
"I took a few things. I would say congratulations to Liverpool, they deserved to win, accept the current situation, and build from there.
"The results we have to achieve do not allow us to think about big goals, but the season is long. There are many things to fight for and we will try."
Can Jack Grealish play at center-back?
Central midfield has become a major problem for City since Rodri suffered an ACL injury. The most natural replacement for Ballon d'Or winner Mateo Kovacic is out until Christmas. Ilkay Gundogan has been used more than ideal since returning on a free transfer from Barcelona.
Guardiola praised Silva and Lewis for their efforts to break out of their comfort zone at the base of midfield, but suggested after the game that Grealish, who has played almost exclusively at left-back since joining City for £100m in August 2021, can help. in the engine room.
"Jack, in the middle, I think he can help us have that control and that vision in the final third," Guardiola added in his post-match press conference.
City returns to Premier League action at home to Nottingham Forest on Wednesday before traveling to Crystal Palace next weekend.
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