Pep Guardiola reveals the secret behind Manchester City's defensive improvements

Manchester City's defensive solidarity has seen them emerge as favourites in this season's Premier League title race, with just 13 goals conceded in their 21 outings thus far.

The arrival of Ruben Dias has been lauded as the catalyst for City's new-found solidarity, while the return to form of John Stones has also been a huge factor, with the pair creating a formable partnership at the heart of City's defence.

However, while Pep Guardiola recognises the performances of individuals within his team, the City boss believes his side's ability on the ball has been the key to their success.

"The reason why [our defensive record is so good] is because 67% of the time we have the ball," he told Sky Sports. "This is the main reason. The main reason is that we have the ball. If you have the ball as much as possible then the opponent does not have the ball.

"Of course, the opponent can score from set pieces or a counter-attack but the more that you have the ball the more chances you will have to score a goal. This is the reason why.

"Maybe one day they will change the rules but I think to score a goal you need the ball."

Guardiola's managerial career has already gleaned top-flight titles in Spain, Germany and England, with the Catalan coach's ability to stifle his opponents proving key.

Last season City struggled defensively - conceding almost a goal a game in their 38 Premier League outings - and Guardiola is under no illusions that this is what cost them their title.

"You cannot win the titles, especially the titles of the Premier League and the Bundesliga, if you concede a lot of goals," he added.

"Last season we conceded more than usual and we didn't adjust well to some things. But if you look at the goals that we conceded in all of our years here in Manchester, in Munich, in Barcelona, it was always few. Few, few, few.

"And we did it playing 50 or 60 metres in front of our goal, and always we were stable defensively. Absolutely, I do not want to concede goals. And I want to score a lot. That is what we are working for with good quality players who want to have the ball."

While Guardiola was keen to avoid praising individuals for his team's fine form this season, he couldn't help but acknowledge the leadership skills and understanding of the game brought to his side by Dias.

"Basically, he talks to them during the game," he said. "He anticipates. He does not play the game for himself, he looks what happens in front of him and behind him."

Manchester City head to Merseyside on Sunday knowing a win over Liverpool would see them extend their lead over the current champions to ten points.

Anfield is one of the few grounds in England that Guardiola doesn't boast a winning record, though he's hoping that isn't a factor ahead of the clash.

"If we just think about this then we are going to forget to play, and when you forget to play you just adapt to what the other team are," he said. "Of course, they are such a dangerous team but I am concerned about what we are going to do."

"I want to go into every single game reminding the players why they became football players and that is to play with the ball. It is a stupid thing, a simple thing, whatever you want to say. But I organise my teams from day one until today in this way.