Pep Guardiola has said Liverpool have always been Manchester City’s ‘best rivals’ as the two teams meet in the Premier League this weekend.
City host Liverpool at the Etihad on Saturday lunchtime, with just a point separating the sides sat first and second in the Premier League table.
Liverpool are the only team to have broken Guardiola’s side stranglehold on the Premier League title in the last six seasons, while the teams have ended three of the last five campaigns as the division’s top two sides.
Ahead of their latest meeting, Guardiola opened up on his side’s rivalry with the Reds and said he is looking forward to the latest encounter with Jurgen Klopp’s men.
“I think we are all friends. Time goes forward, eight years with Liverpool and not the same team as the start. They are similar of course,” Guardiola said at pre-match press conference.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold can play inside now but the ideas are similar. Always they’ve been our best rivals.
“Top club, top team, I’m looking forward to it. Every compliment to Liverpool and Manchester City to still be here.”