Pep Guardiola says Liverpool are the ‘best team’ in the world at one thing and have been for years

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Liverpool vs Manchester City has been the highlight of the footballing calendar for many years now. Last night’s game was hotly anticipated more so than perhaps ever.

That’s because it may have been the final showdown between Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp in charge of the two respective clubs. Once Klopp leaves at the end of the season, things will not be the same.

But if both managers were to bow out in this way, they can be satisfied with the game that unfolded. Neither Manchester City nor Liverpool disappointed. Both sides went full throttle and caused plenty of problems to the opposition.

In the end, Liverpool probably just edged Guardiola in terms of the overall performance. The Reds were unlucky not to come away from Anfield with all three points. Especially after a controversial refereeing decision not to award a penalty for Jeremy Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.

Pep Guardiola on Liverpool

One of the major factors why Liverpool probably just edged Manchester City in this game was because of the Reds’ defence. Virgil van Dijk was back to his brilliant best. He didn’t give Erling Haaland a sniff all game.

And alongside him, Jarell Quansah put in another excellent performance. The kind of performance that is yet more proof of his exciting potential.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Guardiola praised Liverpool for their defensive game in particular. The Manchester City boss admitted this is something Jurgen Klopp’s side has been the best in the world for many years now.

“It’s not easy. They have a good structure. The best team in many years in defensive structure and then after that, the pace and quality they have,” Guardiola said.

After yesterday, it’s hard to disagree with Guardiola. Liverpool set-up really well and they frustrated City. Guardiola’s side was unable to create much from open play.