Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he is already preparing for next season because Liverpool are destined to win the title.
City beat Sheffield United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to bounce back from defeat at Wolves on Friday, but Guardiola insists his focus has already turned to wrestling the trophy back from Jurgen Klopp's side, who are 13 points clear at the top with a game in hand, in next year's campaign.
"It's unrealistic to think about it [catching Liverpool]," said Guardiola. "When a team has the numbers that Liverpool has why should we think about it, when we are 14 [points] or 17 behind?
"Prepare, play good, be as close as possible, play the knockouts and prepare for next season. Next season we will be here and hopefully we can do better."
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Having accepted that City's title defence is over, Guardiola has suggested they still have work to do to ensure they qualify for the Champions League.
Everton are the visitors on Wednesday looking to build on back-to-back wins under new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
"The best motivation is to try to play good, win games, that's the best," said Guardiola.
"Now we recover for three days -- thank you for three days, we appreciate it -- and it's Everton, so that's what we have to think about."
The 2-0 victory over Sheffield United -- secured thanks to second-half goals from Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne -- was Guardiola's 100th in the Premier League in just 134 games, a milestone reached quicker than any other manager.
"This achievement is a compliment for the club, the staff, 100 victories in 134 games is incredible achievement for this organisation, for all the staff and the people who did it," said Guardiola.
"I'm alongside prestigious managers and the club, city is there and in front of them. That means what we've done in three seasons is incredible. Especially in the Premier League you have to be consistent, we are all delighted with this achievement."