KLOPP: CITY NOW WORLD No 1

JURGEN KLOPP outlined the challenge Liverpool must overcome to become champions as he described Manchester City as the ‘biggest force’ in world football. Liverpool manager Klopp is ready for the most eagerly awaited showdown of the season so far. His team have won the past three Anfield meetings against Pep Guardiola’s side, including a 3-0 first-leg victory in last season’s Champions League quarter-final. There is an intense rivalry brewing between the clubs and Guardiola recognises the threat to his hopes of winning back-to-back league titles. Klopp, though, says City remain the team to beat. ‘They are so strong,’ he said. ‘This team, together with the club, the money they have and this manager is exceptional.’

Klopp, who hopes midfielder Naby Keita will be available after suffering a back spasm in Wednesday’s Champions League defeat by Napoli, added: ‘It makes them the biggest force, with PSG, in world football.

‘We must prove we are as good as we can be. It will be very difficult. In this moment, there’s no pressure. If this was match-day 30 we’d have to see who can deal with it.’

City are sure to attack and Klopp aims to fight fire with fire. His main strikers, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, were out of sorts in Naples but Klopp will look to them to lead the charge.

‘We’re not the most comfortable opponent for City in the past,’ he said. ‘That means nothing for Sunday. We must be 100 per cent, if not 110 per cent, to deal with City.’