Pep Guardiola insists Liverpool remain ‘a big rival’ to Manchester City despite the club’s season of struggle.
City host Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime with both teams in need of a positive result to keep alive their season’s ambitions.
The two teams have gone head-to-head for major trophies in recent campaigns, sharing each of the last five Premier League titles between them.
Man City beat Liverpool to the title by just a single point last season, but the Reds have been unable to challenge at the top during the current campaign and are sixth in the Premier League table.
Jurgen Klopp’s team are facing a fight to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification, but Guardiola insists Liverpool remain a ‘big rival’ to his side despite a disappointing campaign at Anfield.
“Jurgen Klopp and I know each other, we have both been managers for many years,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
“Every club can have ups and downs. My opinion about Liverpool remains the same, whether they win the Champions League or have ups and downs. They will always be a big rival.
“We have this game and then a tough schedule with many games, but the most important thing is that after many years, we are still fighting and that is so good.
“Winning is good, it gives you confidence but to sustain it for 10 months is so difficult.”
