Klopp vs Guardiola – the story of a rivalry that defined an era
Premier League leaders Liverpool will host champions Manchester City on Sunday, and it will be a big clash at the top with both teams chasing history.
With their place in the Carabao Cup already confirmed, Liverpool are aiming for an unprecedented quadruple title, while City could become the first team to win back-to-back Trebles.
It could also be the final league match between Jurgen Klopp and Josep Guardiola.
“I’ve done that job myself, so when you face it, you see excellence. Pep is definitely that,” Klopp said.
Liverpool and City have won every Premier League title since 2018, with Klopp’s side finishing top of the table in 2020 and Guardiola winning the league five times.
“The impact he has had on football and the trophies he has won during his career,” Klopp added. “But when you see him on the touchline he acts like he’s never won before. The drive he has is really outstanding.
“He’s definitely the outstanding coach in my lifetime.”
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Guardiola and Klopp are familiar foes on the touchline, but the pair haven’t had many chances to play against each other away from the dugout.
Guardiola said, “There were times when I was in the hallway before the press conference.” “When we were honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, we spent time with our families, but when it came to lunch and dinner, that never happened. We have to decide who pays. No. That’s why we didn’t do it.”
“I think it will happen sooner or later, and I would be happy if it did.”
Sunday’s match at Anfield will kick off at 15:45 GMT.
Three-way summit battle
Liverpool go into Sunday’s game with a four-goal difference, just one point behind City.
However, there is a three-way race for the trophy this season, with Arsenal finding themselves in contention for the title after a strong start.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last seven league games and are two points behind Liverpool, with a lead over both teams on goal difference. If the Gunners win against Brentford on Saturday, they will move past Liverpool and City into the top of the table.
Liverpool have an excellent record against Manchester City at Anfield, having lost just once at home since 2003 and winning 13 of their last 20 games.
In fact, of the last 30 Premier League games, only two have been won by the away team.
“Liverpool has always been Liverpool”
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Both managers have won 24 honors with England and both have the opportunity to win three more before the end of the season.
Klopp holds the direct head-to-head advantage, winning eight of 21 games to Guardiola’s six.
Asked whether his job would be easier if Klopp left, Guardiola said: “I’d like to know, but I don’t think so. Liverpool will always be Liverpool and the candidates are there.
“Arsenal are already there. Last season they were our biggest rivals. Look at how they play. Although Liverpool need more than 90 minutes to win the game , Arsenal sometimes need 25 minutes to win a match, that’s why they’re there sometimes.”
“Tottenham have taken a step forward, [Manchester] United will probably be back.”
Grealish absent, Konate doubtful
image source, Getty Images
Jack Grealish, who was substituted with an injury in the FA Cup match against Luton on February 26, was visibly shaken.
Guardiola has confirmed that midfielder Jack Grealish will be absent due to a groin injury sustained in last month’s FA Cup win against Luton.
Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunez are injured and will be tested after Saturday’s training.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah made his first Premier League appearance in almost a month as he returned from injury as a substitute in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 first leg against Sparta Prague in a 5-1 win. there is a possibility.
Ibrahima Konate is doubtful to play after picking up an injury in the second half. Fellow defender Joe Gomez was sent off at halftime but is expected to be available.
“Joe Gomez is fine. Ibou.” [Ibrahima Konate] I don’t know,” Klopp said. “He was pretty positive last night. He made a decision. [to come off] But I don’t know if it means much. No results yet.
“Everyone else is fine.”
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