Pep Guardiola believes Liverpool pose the biggest threat to Manchester City retaining their title despite the Reds’ early-season struggles.
Liverpool are 13 points behind Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and a further point behind leaders Arsenal. Following last weekend’s defeat at Emirates Stadium, Klopp said his side aren’t in the title race but Guardiola disagrees, pointing out how close they were to an unprecedented quadruple only a few months ago.
“Always have been, always, will be,” Guardiola said when asked if Liverpool were City’s biggest challengers. “I know the quality they have. If you asked this question with 10 games left I would say I don’t think they can catch the top of the league, and in that case Arsenal, but now anything can happen.”
He added: “I ignore that are they in a good moment or bad moment. Always I analyse the team and I expect the best from them. Nothing can change the opinion I have about them. I know the quality they have, the character, 10 games left maybe they cannot catch us, but being in that position, anything can happen.”
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City have lost two of their last three matches against Liverpool and Guardiola has won once in his seven visits to Anfield with the Premier League champions.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has described Erling Haaland as a “perfect fit” for Manchester City and Liverpool will have to find ways to limit his threat in attack in Sunday’s Premier League game at Anfield.
Haaland has made a sensational start at City, scoring 20 goals in 13 matches in all competitions for the Premier League champions since joining them from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
“When you play against somebody at the moment who is the best striker in the world you have to make sure he doesn’t get that many balls,” Klopp told a news conference.
“That’s what we will try but obviously against City the problem is if you close Haaland down with too many players you open up gaps for all the other world-class players.
“So that will not make life easier, it’s a challenge, it’s a football problem and we will try to find a solution.”
Klopp heaped praise on Haaland, saying the Norway international boasts a enviable combination of physical and technical skills.
“His finishing skills are exceptional but he moves really smart,” Klopp said. “You can only use speed if you use it in a smart way. His whole package makes it special.