Jurgen Klopp has admitted Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world ahead of Liverpool’s vital trip to the Etihad this weekend.
Liverpool face Manchester City in a highly anticipated match on Sunday in the Premier League, with Liverpool just a point off their rivals in a fascinating title race.
Ahead of the all-important match, Klopp spoke about his opposite number, describing him as “the best coach in the world and we all would agree on that”.
Klopp added: “If anybody doubts him, I would have no idea how that could happen.”
Klopp refused to believe Sunday’s game is a title decider due to the number of games still to play for.
He said: “I cannot decide what people think, but we can just go through the possible results.
“If we win we are two points ahead, well lose, we’re four points behind. Does anyone think that’s done and dusted?”
Although he did admit that it is “A very important game”.
He added: “I like it, if we were 14 or 15 points behind it will still be a good game.
“We’ve qualified for a good game with the season we’ve played so far.”
The German manager agreed the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City is the best rivalry in Premier League history after Jamie Carragher made the claim on Sky Sports.
He said: “The consistency both teams have shown over the period is crazy. We know it’s tough.
“What has changed in the four years is everybody else thinks it’s tough.”
Klopp also believes that Liverpool and Manchester City get the best out of each other.
He said: “If you play professional football at the highest level, the focus is on your games.
“In sport, I think what helps the most is a strong opponent. In the long term, especially.
“I think Nadal and Federer enjoyed the rivalry they had. That’s how it is in sport.
“I wouldn’t say I’m thankful City is that good, but it didn’t harm our development.”
Klopp may be accurate in his assessment, this match doesn’t decide the title race but if Liverpool are to win at the Etihad, momentum will very much be on their side.
