Three games remain in the 2021/22 Premier League season, and three points separate Manchester City from Liverpool at the top of the table. Managers of both the sides had words for each other as the season entered its most crucial period yet.
Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp were involved in a verbal spat this past week, with their respective sides firmly engaged in a title race this close to the end of the season. The Spaniard, speaking after Manchester City’s thumping 5-0 win over Newcastle that took them three points clear of Liverpool at the top, claimed that the Reds are more popular than his side in the country, including in certain sections of the media.
Guardiola also commented on Liverpool’s history in European competitions in the aftermath of his side’s semifinal exit at the hands of Real Madrid. Meanwhile, the Reds beat their last four opponents Villarreal to book a place in the Final.
“Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media, and everyone. Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in European competition,”
Guardiola said.
Klopp responded with a jibe at City’s European exit in his recent pre-match press conference while also shooting down the idea that his side is supported throughout the country. The German instead claimed that he felt the actual situation was the exact opposite.
“I don’t exactly know the situation Pep was in. After getting knocked out of the Champions League, it’s already difficult enough to take. But of course, Liverpool made it to the final.
“I’ve no idea if the whole country is supporting us, I don’t know that. It’s not the feeling I get when we go to other places and play there. It’s actually the opposite but maybe he knows more about it than me.”
Guardiola said.
Klopp and Guardiola’s comments come just weeks after the two were full of praise for each other ahead of Liverpool’s clash with City – one that ended in a 2-2 draw. At present, both the tacticians are gearing up to take their respective teams over the line; with three games left to play, it is Guardiola’s City who have the advantage in the league.
2021/22 Premier League top 3
| # | Team | Matches played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 | Manchester City | 35 | 68 | 86 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 35 | 64 | 83 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 35 | 39 | 67 |
