Jurgen Klopp says he doesn't recognise Pep Guardiola's assessment that everyone in the country wants Liverpool to win the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City, suggesting that the Blues manager may regret his comments.
Guardiola made the headline-grabbing comments after City moved three points ahead of Liverpool with three games left, 24 hours after Klopp had criticised Tottenham's playing style in their 1-1 draw at Anfield. Guardiola had said: "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."
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Speaking in his press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Aston Villa on Tuesday, Klopp was asked about Guardiola's comments and likened them to his own criticism of Spurs - something he retracted.
"I live in Liverpool so yes, here, a lot of people want us to win the league," said Klopp. "That's true but even here it's probably only 50 per cent. The other guys [Everton] were involved in another fight, at least until yesterday.
"As a manager, and I had this experience only recently after a game, we are massively influenced by the game. I said, and would I say it again? No. I said after the game, 'they play like they play and are still only fifth'. It felt good in that moment but was wrong. It was my feeling in that moment. I couldn't respect Antonio [Conte] more and what he's doing. My god, how he organises teams.
"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.
"Then you have, 'but they played Villarreal and we play Real!' And you say what you say. And he's right on top of that! I was right with these plays and Tottenham still and he's right we only win the Premier League once.
"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."
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