Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has fired back at Pep Guardiola ’s claims that ‘everyone’ is supporting the Reds in the race for the Premier League title.
The two sides are once again in the midst of a battle for the domestic crown. It is City who currently hold the advantage having edged three points clear with their 5-0 victory over Newcastle United at the weekend, whilst Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.
The Reds will certainly be aiming to move themselves back into contention in midweek with a trip to face Steven Gerrard ’s Aston Villa. Amid the intense battle for the Premier League crown, Guardiola claimed that ‘everyone’ was supporting the Reds, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp now having his say on that assertion.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash at Villa Park, the German said: “Here a lot of people want us to win the league but even here [Liverpool] it is only 50%. As managers, after a game we're obviously massively influenced by games or situations. What I said after Spurs (criticism)...I wouldn't. Just my feeling at the moment.
"I don't know how Pep after getting knocked out of CL and of course LFC made it to the final, we played Villarreal, they played Real Madrid. I have no idea if the whole country is supporting us. Maybe he knows more than me."
Guardiola’s quotes came after their humbling of Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium, as he suggested Liverpool had more backers in the Premier League race than his side. Speaking with beIN Sports, he said: "Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone.
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"Of course because Liverpool has an incredible history in European competition. Not in the Premier League, because they have won one in 30 years, but it is not a problem at all."
City can only win the Premier League title this season and as it stands look the favourite to do so. Guardiola’s troops suffered a heart-breaking Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid last week.
Meanwhile, Liverpool can still complete an unprecedented quadruple despite their stumble in the Premier League. Klopp’s troops have already claimed the Carabao Cup, whilst they have reached the finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Should Manchester City retain their advantage until the end of the campaign, it would see Guardiola lead the club to the sixth Premier League title of their history - and the fourth of the Spaniard’s reign after his arrival in 2016. Klopp meanwhile will be hoping there will be a final twist to the tale as he aims to scoop only Liverpool’s second Premier League crown but their 20th top-flight title in all.
Following their game with Aston Villa, the Reds conclude their season with clashes against Southampton, as well as Wolverhampton Wanderers. Manchester City also take on Bruno Lage’s men and West Ham United, whilst they are set to take on Villa on the final day of the campaign.
