I know the is perfect..
PEP GUARDIOLA has promised to deliver a Champions League classic – and claimed he would “scare” his players if he asked them to change their attacking style.
Guardiola admitted their tactics are “perfect” for Liverpool but is ready to serve up another thriller at Anfield and has no doubts his Manchester City team is ready for the big occasion.
City’s last win at Anfield was in May 2003 and since then
Liverpool have won 11 of their 17 encounters, including the 4-3 victory in January which ended
Guardiola’s unbeaten charge towards the
Premier League title.
But rather than play safe in a more traditional European tie rather than an all-english affair, he made it clear his team only knows how to play one way.
City boss Guardiola (above) said: “If I said we are going to be different the players would look at me and say, ‘This guy is scary!’ It would be that we don’t trust in ourselves. It would be a big mistake.
“What I admire the most about the important teams – we were not able to do it in this situation last season – they are calm in the bad moments.
“Madrid, Barcelona, when the opponents are attacking they look like they are taking a cup of coffee because their chance is coming, like when it comes we are not going to miss. That’s the big difference.
“Our strikers are young and maybe they need more time.
“It’s a dream to be in the best eight teams of Europe and trying to compete to be in the last four.
“Of course I consider the value of Liverpool. I know their qualities, and I’m concerned about what they do. I’m not so arrogant to know what they do.
“But if you’re thinking we are going to defend 90 minutes and counter-attack – that is not going to happen. If we defend 90 minutes it’s because Liverpool are unstoppable.
“But why should it change when we are going well so far?
“I know for the way we play it’s perfect for Liverpool. They attack the space like any other team in the world – especially Mane, Firmino, Salah, they are so good. I know that. I feel the best way to try to win is the way we do it since I’ve been here.”
Jurgen Klopp described City as the best team in the world, Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world and yet the Liverpool boss has a strong hold over his counterpart. his record against Guardiola is six wins, five defeats and one draw.
The Anfield atmosphere will also be a major test for City but, despite Liverpool fans promising to give the visitors a red-hot reception, it is not something unusual for Guardiola.
He added: “In the quarter-finals, it is a mountain. It depends if you are able to overcome this situation knowing the opponent is one of the toughest in the world.
“In Barcelona and Madrid for important games, La Liga or semifinals, the police spread out the people. We cannot be too much in contact with the fans, but here the streets are narrow.
“I hope it’s going to be well and Liverpool fans can show what their history is.
“We’ve had one Champions League semi-final, they’ve won five. You have to feel you can do it, if you don’t it won’t change.
“They can harm us but we can harm them again.
“We are close to the Premier League title but in one or two games in this competition, anything can happen.
“Liverpool have quality, history and great players.”
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