'I will not play that game' - Pep Guardiola refuses to compare Arne Slot to Jurgen Klopp as Man City prepare to host Liverpool in crucial Premier League clash

Slot succeeded Klopp as the Reds boss last summer and has led his side to the top of the Premier League but Guardiola refused to compare the two, claiming he does not want to get drawn into a game.

Slot's Liverpool are hot favourites to end Man City's monopoly of the Premier League title, after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign for City. Guardiola's rivalry with Klopp between 2016-2024 was one of the best subplots in the division's history, however, with City winning six titles but Liverpool by far their closest rival.

Guardiola said: "I'm not going to answer that question [of comparing the two]. I have much respect for Jurgen and I will not play that game. We can compete with any team. We have two central defenders out for two to three months. The Premier League is massively important for us. We will try to play a good game."

City have the chance to put a dent in Liverpool's hopes by taking points off them at the Etihad on Sunday, as well as boosting their own Champions League qualification chances. Liverpool can sustain at least a seven-point gap at the top of the league by winning.