Klopp brands Guardiola 'BEST coach in world' & outstanding boss 'in my lifetime'

Jurgen Klopp has rubbished talk of a rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City, with the German boss hailing opposite number Pep Guardiola as the 'outstanding manager of my lifetime'.

The two teams will go into battle at Anfield on Sunday in a titanic title tussle, with the winner of the match able to make a huge statement and go top of the table with 10 games to go. Arsenal are also well in the mix and will be hoping to gain ground on at least one side this weekend.

City and Liverpool have played out several feisty matches over the Guardiola and Klopp era, with fans of the clubs often clashing outside stadiums. But Klopp has talked down any suggestions of a rivalry and instead hailed City's manager.

'He is the best manager in the world,' said Klopp on Guardiola. '(City) have incredible players. Probably the best No 9 (Erling Haaland). Kevin De Bruyne will go down in history as, 'Was it Steven Gerrard or Kevin De Bruyne?'.

'The way (Guardiola) influenced football. Winning the amount of trophies he won but when you see him, he behaves like he's never won anything - the desire is outstanding. I see excellence. Pep is definitely that. In my lifetime he's the outstanding manager.