Klopp plays down clash against ‘best team in world’
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp insisted Manchester City remain the best team in the world ahead of their crunch clash at the Etihad Stadium tonight.
The Reds go into the meeting with a seven-point lead over their title rivals at the top of the Premier League.
Klopp was keen to push aside the hype, saying he saw it “as a normal game against Manchester City”.
He added: “A very difficult one, one of the most difficult games you can play in the modern football world. We felt that plenty of times. It’s a really strong football team with an outstanding manager.
“We have to be prepared as good as possible, we have to be brave, we have to be full of desire, angry, like in all the other games.
“But with the knowledge the opponent is, for me, still the best team in the world. Only the points changed, not the preparation for the game.”
Klopp and Pep Guardiola have both talked up the strength of their opposition, with the City boss returning the compliment by hailing Liverpool as the world’s premier side.
“He said, ‘in the moment’,” said Klopp. “Yes, with the record we had in December, we had a good moment and we have a very, very, very good football team.
“That’s why we have the amount of points, that’s why we had the results. But we prepare for one game.
“A couple of weeks ago we were a point behind and then [the talk] was if we lose, then it’s four points, can you close that gap. It’s all only talk. It has nothing to do with the reality.”