Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has singled out Liverpool as the toughest rival he has faced during his Premier League tenure.
Since arriving in England in 2016 to replace Manuel Pellegrini at the Etihad, Guardiola has guided City to an impressive haul of 18 trophies. Among these, the Spaniard has claimed six Premier League titles, often edging out Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the title race. Klopp, however, ended Liverpool’s long wait for the league crown in 2020, finishing ahead of City.
Reflecting on his time in England, Guardiola said:
“If I have to choose one rival to this [Liverpool], I will share it with many people but this will be the best.
“I have been here longer than others in this country, the impact it’s had on my life.
“Barcelona is my club and Bayern was incredible but Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country, and especially with Jurgen [Klopp], it could not be better.”
Guardiola’s remarks underscore the intensity of the City-Liverpool rivalry in recent years, highlighting the high stakes and competitive drama that have defined the Premier League under his management.
