Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as the best coach in the world. This comes as the two teams prepare for an expected confrontation between them at Anfield next Sunday in the Premier League.
Leaders Liverpool are six points clear of second-placed Manchester City and the game is of great importance to both teams.
Guardiola's comments, which he later retracted and accused Liverpool striker Sadio Mane of sometimes claiming to fall into the box, covered the pre-match atmosphere.
In an interview with Sky Sports on Thursday, Klopp said: "We are constantly receiving questions and sometimes we say what comes to our minds without realizing that we are in front of the cameras."
"I have a lot of respect for Guardiola, I know him for a long time," he said.
"I consider him the best coach in the world. We have a chance to beat his team. It is very difficult but not impossible, that's all."
Klopp refused to consider Liverpool's victory in the game a matter of life or death. It will be the situation and how we will benefit from it. "
"It is an important game and we know that very well," he said.
Champions Liverpool lost at Manchester City last season after the two teams drew 0-0 at Anfield. Liverpool lost the Premier League title by one point.
"City's performance at Liverpool last year was one of the best matches I have ever appreciated, because the club played differently than usual," Klopp said. Things specifically. "