The 2023/24 Premier League will officially return this weekend and the focus will be the confrontation between Man City and Liverpool in round 13. Jurgen Klopp’s team is only 1 point behind the defending champions and will rise to the top. championship race if they defeat The Citizens right at Etihad.
With Liverpool struggling to reach the heights of previous seasons, Arsenal emerged as Man City’s counterweight. But in the end, the Gunners’ “immaturity” caused them to lose steam at important stages and lose the Premier League championship to Man City with a difference of 5 points last season.
While Arsenal still maintains the championship race with Man City this season, only 2 points behind the home team at Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola believes that Klopp’s Liverpool is the team that gives him the biggest challenge.
Speaking at the press conference before the match between Man City vs Liverpool, the Spanish teacher said: “Time has passed 8 years and Liverpool is no longer the same team as before. Of course they are still the same, Trent Alexander-Arnold can now play inside but the idea is the same. They are always our best quality opponents. Liverpool is a top club, I look forward to meeting them.”
Asked if the rivalry was similar to the one he faced with Real Madrid when he was in charge of Barcelona, Pep Guardiola said: “It’s different, I think it’s different. The last decade since I’ve been here, They have been our best opponents. All praise to Liverpool and Man City remains here.”
Obviously, Pep Guardiola’s above opinion is completely well-founded, as Jurgen Klopp is the coach who has defeated Pep the most ever. In 28 past meetings, the former Barca coach lost 12 times, while Klopp’s number of losses was 11.
Man City can welcome the return of Erling Haaland in the match even though the striker suffered a leg injury while on national duty for Norway.
Pep Guardiola confirmed the striker is training to prepare for the match as he searches for his first goal against Liverpool since joining Man City from Borussia Dortmund.