Saturday 18 March 2017 07:32, UK
Jurgen Klopp says Manchester City are the toughest team to play as he prepares to take his Liverpool side to the Etihad on Nissan Super Sunday.
Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League table, one point and one place behind City, and have picked up 19 points from their nine games against sides in the top six this season.
City were knocked out of the Champions League in midweek but are unbeaten in domestic competitions since January 15, and Klopp is relishing the challenge of facing Pep Guardiola's side.
"I don't think we are the favourites," Klopp said. "That's not too bad. We know that we can be difficult to play in games like this, that's true.
"We've felt good in these games so far but for me City is the most difficult team to play. It's real football, difficult to defend.
"We have to be at our best to get anything. If you get a little bit passive they play around you. I am really looking forward to this, it's a real tactical challenge.
"It's an important moment in the season, but I don't think we should involve this type of pressure. We know that it's possible to win.
"A lot of teams have failed [against them]. We know what we have to do, if we can do it, I don't know. But we will try everything. It could be a fantastic game to watch."
Klopp confirmed captain Jordan Henderson and forward Daniel Sturridge will both miss the trip to the Etihad Stadium, while Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino are doubts having missed training during the week.
The German also gave his take on whether now was a good time to face Guardiola's City side following their European exit.
"Hopefully! No idea," the German added. "Could I change the time? Would I have been disappointed after going out of the Champions League? Yes. But they can learn, that's all you can do.
"But two spectacular games. Monaco are flying in the league and in the Champions League, too.
"I thought the changes City made in the game were really good but which mood they are now? No idea! I'm more interested in what mood we are in.
"To be active, you need to be brave. Monaco couldn't do it for two halves. Second half [City] missed chance after chance. We cannot hope Aguero misses these chances."
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