Klopp responds to Guardiola’s claim ahead Aston Villa match

Liverpool heads to Aston Villa looking to keep alive the Premier League title race with Manchester City.

The Reds lost ground over the weekend because of its 1-1 draw with Tottenham and is three points behind City with an inferior goal difference with three games remaining. 

Both of the title rivals are in action in midweek, with City at Wolverhampton on Wednesday. If Liverpool loses against the team managed by Anfield great Steven Gerrard, City could move six points clear with two games left by beating Wolves. 

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp must weigh up whether to give any of his players a rest amid a hectic schedule, with the FA Cup final against Chelsea coming up on Saturday. Villa is in 11th place.

Meanwhile, Klopp has responded to Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager claimed everyone, including the media, supports Liverpool in the title race.

It is not every day that we see title-challenging managers get into a bit of a debate through the media when the season is about to conclude. 

Guardiola stirred up a mini storm after some of his comments aimed at Liverpool.

After Manchester City’s win over Newcastle United, the Premier League leaders went three points ahead of Liverpool, and Guardiola made some indifferent comments about the Merseyside club, saying, “Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone. 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. Liverpool are alongside (Manchester) United as the most important team in terms of titles, legacy, history, dramas for many, many things. But we have since the last 11 or 12 years been there. I know sometimes we are uncomfortable, but I don’t care if the people want Liverpool to win more than us. It is not an issue.”

Where the idea stemmed into Guardiola’s mind is another question, but Jurgen Klopp was on hand to respond in his style to those remarks. The Liverpool manager’s response was quoted by Liverpool Echo.

Klopp said, “I live in Liverpool so yes, here, a lot of people want us to win the league,” the German told reporters in his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s game against Aston Villa, before adding, “That’s true but even here it’s probably only 50%. The other guys were involved in another fight, at least until yesterday.”

There is no proof to support Guardiola’s claims, and maybe he was referring to the history factor. However, as things stand, these exchanges may not go any further as both managers share a very mutually respectable relationship.

As for the title race, the baton is in Manchester City’s hands after Liverpool slipped up against Tottenham, as they could only manage a draw at Anfield. Guardiola’s men, who played on Sunday, thoroughly thrashed Newcastle United 5-0 at the Etihad to perhaps put the title dreams beyond Liverpool.