Jurgen Klopp has predicted Manchester City will ‘strike back’ against Liverpool following their midweek defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool face Manchester City as the Premier League’s top two go head-to-head this weekend, in a huge clash at Anfield that could have major repercussions on the title race.
The defending champions make the trip to Merseyside after suffering defeat in the Champions League in midweek, losing 2-0 at PSG as Lionel Messi scored his first goal for the Ligue 1 side.
Liverpool boss Klopp has predicted that City will issue a response against the Reds this weekend, however, hailing Pep Guardiola’s side as an ‘outstanding football team.
“Manchester City are an outstanding football team,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
“They lost against Paris-Saint Germain and straight after the game I said they will probably strike back. But they don’t have to as I have since watched the game and they played a really good game.
“They didn’t use their chances and PSG scored, but when you think of PSG’s quality and the way Man City dominated them, it tells you a lot about their quality.”
Klopp believes Liverpool will up against ‘the best team in Europe at the moment’ on Sunday, insisting his side must be at their best ahead of what promises to be a ‘special game’ at Anfield.
“This is a really special game every year and you have to be your best version, and only then, you have a chance,” he said.
“We have to play a proper football game to have a chance but it’s Anfield. We are really looking forward to it.
“They [City] are probably the best team in Europe at the moment. Last weekend they played Chelsea and everyone was talking about how good they are, which they are, but City were clearly better that day.
“We have to win the game and score goals but we have to defend at the absolute highest level to stay in the game and make sure the goals we score make the difference.”
However, the German insists he wouldn’t simply accept a point if it were offered ahead of the game.
“A draw would obviously mean we will be unbeaten,” said Klopp. “Taking the point now is a bit early so let’s play the game, and then ask me after that
“It is just the start of the season and we have to carry on. I know if we win, it would look like a proper start, but then it is Watford, Atletico Madrid and Man Utd.
“So I just want to play the best season we can and not draw any line under any stage. Let’s carry on.”
