Pep Guardiola has admitted that the toughest opposition in his illustrious managing career is none other than Jurgen Klopp and his title-winning Liverpool squad.
Manchester City faced fierce competition in the 2018-19 season as they narrowly edged out Liverpool to win the Premier League title.
But the City boss saw his side fail to defend their championship crown as Klopp's Liverpool side convincingly captured England's top-flight league title.
Advert
Speaking to DAZN, Guardiola revealed that the Reds boss has become the "rival who has made me think about how to beat him the most."
The 49-year-old Spaniard explained: "The toughest opponent I've ever faced in my career is this Liverpool from last year and this one.
"If you let yourself be dominated, they lock you in the area and you can't escape. When you dominate them, they run into space like no-one else.
Advert
"They are very fast going backwards. They are very strong strategically. Their players have great mental strength. [Klopp] is the rival who has made me think about how to beat him the most."
Guardiola spent four years as Barcelona boss and had a heated rivalry with Jose Mourinho when the 'Special One' was in charge of Real Madrid.
However, the ex-Bayern Munich manager doesn't believe the rivalries in Spain or Germany top the one he has faced in England with Liverpool.
Advert
"I have always said that Real Madrid are a very strong team in my career, they helped me to become a better coach with tough matches and competitions with Jose Mourinho, [Manuel] Pellegrini and all the coaches they had," Guardiola said.
"If you ask me which has been the most difficult rival for me to face, it has been Liverpool. The first years when I arrived in England, Liverpool were a bit weaker than now and Real Madrid were stronger.
"Now, this Liverpool are the hardest I have come across in my coaching career."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics:ย Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Football, Pep Guardiola, REds, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp