It’s that time of the year when two powerhouses of English football go head-to-head as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield.
This will be the 22nd meeting between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, with Klopp knowing well what is expected of his side.
“We are really looking forward to it, we have to defend to our absolute highest level,” Klopp told the media today.
He also revealed to the press that he has turned down the chance to be the next James Bond, following Daniel Craig’s retirement from the role.
Klopp joked: “If I was to walk out of the water in swim shorts, that’d be the day the world turned off.”
He is however still Liverpool boss and has business to get down to with his managerial rival, Guardiola.
The history and rivalry between them dates back to their Bundesliga days.
The pair managed Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.
In their 21 meetings in the Premier League there have been nine wins apiece and three draws. This weekend’s encounter at Anfield could tip that balance.
Liverpool are without star defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Klopp says this isn’t an issue.
“We have James (Milner), Joe (Gomez) and Neco who could all play there so we have plenty of options,” he added.
Whoever does start at that pivotal right-back position will have a busy day at the office.
They face £100 million man Jack Grealish and former Juventus player Joao Cancelo, two very dangerous opponents.
“Whoever plays there should have at least two other players to assist them, a midfielder and a centre-back,” Klopp said.
Liverpool have already scored an impressive 15 goals and only conceded four in the league this season.
That’s compared to City’s 12 scored and one conceded. Both teams look in strong form.
Liverpool have had the better results recently, putting five past Porto on Tuesday and scoring nine goals in their last three games.
City have only scored two and suffered a 2-0 loss to PSG in the same time frame.
Despite this, Klopp still believes that City are the best team in Europe.
“Man City’s a quality football team, they will strike back after their game with PSG,” he said.
Their quality is undeniable, with a starting 11 that’s definitely among the top five in the world and a bench full of superstars.
“This is a really special game, it is every year,” added the Liverpool boss.
The game also gives players and fans the first chance to gather at Anfield and mark the passing of Liverpool legend Roger Hunt.
Speaking about Hunt, Klopp added: “This club is really good at remembering its legends. We will all miss him and wish his family the best.”
