Pep Guardiola told reporters after Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday – as per BBC Live’s coverage – that he is “not friends” with Jurgen Klopp but that he has huge respect for the German gaffer.
In a greatly-anticipated clash between first and second in the Premier League, Manchester City were the better side in a basketball-like match played with incredible intensity. Kevin De Bruyne gave City the lead.
But after `13 minutes, it was 1-1 – Diogo Jota continuing his superb form. Joao Cancelo’s pinpoint cross allowed Gabriel Jesus to break the offside trap to make it 2-1 to City at the break – only for Liverpool to come back again.
Mo Salah’s gorgeous pass was well finished by Sadio Mane. Riyad Mahrez hit the post, Raheem Sterling had a goal disallowed and then Mahrez missed a sitter at the death. A great game; Guardiola discussed £192k-a-week (Goal) Klopp post match.
“I don’t know if Jurgen respects me but Jurgen has to know I respect him a lot. He has made me a better manager. His team is always there, they are always aggressive,” Guardiola said when asked about his rival manager.
“We are not friends, we never see each other, I have his number but I don’t call him. I have respect for him, but he knows next Saturday [in the FA Cup semi-final] I am going to try and beat him.”
Guardiola on Klopp: Advantage City in title race with Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold said after the match that the title was in Manchester City’s hands. If both sides win all their games, then Guardiola wins a fourth Premier League title in five seasons – an incredible stat.
While City were superb at The Etihad on Sunday, they have not been firing on all cylinders at times of late. There is certainly a chance of dropping points in their next seven games, but City boast the advantage.
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