Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City ‘accept the challenge’ of earning a result at Liverpool this weekend.
The champions travel to face the Premier League leaders in a huge clash in this season’s title race, with the top two separated by a single point ahead of Sunday’s game.
City and Liverpool have forged a brilliant rivalry in recent seasons as the sides have competed for major trophies, though Anfield has not often been a successful trip for Guardiola’s side. The Citizens have won just once at Liverpool in the last 23 years.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola was asked why playing at Anfield is so difficult.
“Especially the quality of the team. Yeah, of course (the atmosphere), but especially the quality of the team.”
This weekend’s game will be the final match up between Guardiola and Liverpool boss Klopp, with the latter set to step down from his position at the end of the season.
Asked whether that situation could make the atmosphere tougher for his side on Sunday, Guardiola added: “I don’t know, we will see on Sunday. It will be nice, because it always has been, and I accept the challenge.
“I respect completely his decision. I spoke with him and had the feeling he would be back later. He loves football. His passion is still there. He explained perfectly the reason why. So in the Premier League it is the last time, but maybe in the FA Cup we can find another. We will see.”
