Ilkay Gundogan admitted this is the toughest season of his Manchester City career and conceded that losing at Anfield would spell the end of their title aspirations.
City’s campaign plumbed new depths after blowing a three-goal lead in the final 15 minutes of a crucial Champions League tie at home against unfancied Feyenoord.
Defeat against Liverpool on Sunday would leave the Premier League champions 11 points behind the leaders and facing an uphill battle to secure a fifth consecutive crown.
It is now six games without a victory in all competitions – conceding 17 goals in the process – and Gundogan believes the squad need to take personal responsibility for performances.