Pep Guardiola says it is "unrealistic" to expect Manchester City to chase down Liverpool at the top of the Premier League despite a morale-boosting win over high-flying Leicester.
City beat Leicester 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to move to within 11 points of Liverpool, whose domestic commitments were postponed because of the World Club Cup in Qatar.
Victory over Brendan Rodgers' side prompted questions about whether the reigning champions are still title contenders, but Guardiola insists Liverpool's form makes an challenge unlikely.
"When a team has 16 victories from 17 [games] it's unrealistic to think we are going to chase them," said Guardiola.