Jurgen to get the best of Guardiola

From Back Page “best in the world.” But Klopp qualified his praise by insisting: “I always wanted to be the coach of the team who can beat the best team in the world.”

There have been no mind games between the top two managers of the top two teams in the Premier League.

But Klopp sounded like a man who feels he has Guardiola’s number despite boasting just one win in his last eight visits to The Etihad.

“What I say about City, I mean,” said Klopp. “Pep is the best coach in the world.

“No problem with that, but I wanted to be the coach of the team who can beat the best team in the world.

“And I achieved that as well, somehow – and now we have to make sure Sunday is the day.

“There is a little bit of work to do but we have time, so let’s try.”

The teams meet again, in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday, and also racked up first-leg wins in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Having already lifted the Carabao Cup, Klopp has a Quadruple in his sights – City can still win the Treble.

Klopp added: “Not winning the league will be disappointing but there are other things to go for, like other cup competitions and the Champions League.

“So there is a lot to go for and for those you need momentum and you need rhythm.”

Klopp has another two seasons left on his Anfield contract while Guardiola’s expires in the summer of 2023.

Both have produced a rivalry over the past five years that is as good as anything ever seen in England.

And Klopp (below) suggested they should get together when their time in the game is done to reminisce about the time they took the Premier League to new heights.

He added: “Maybe when we both finish our careers we might meet somewhere and sit together for hours and hours and speak about the different things we saw in this game and that game.

“It would be very interesting, no doubt.

“But as a club we should enjoy the ride because it is so special. “It is not always easy to really feel the joy, but we should remind ourselves from time to time.

“Then you realise that there is a job to do and that Manchester City are a real handful – but we are as well.

“That is what is constantly in my mind.”