Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has sent a message of support to rival Jurgen Klopp in the wake of Liverpool's recent struggles.
Klopp's Liverpool side have dropped to sixth in the Premier League table following a poor run of results, including three consecutive defeats.
The defending champions are now 13 points adrift of leaders City, who have a game in hand.
City have been in fine form themselves. They are unbeaten in 23 matches in all competitions and currently on a 16-game winning streak.
Asked if he has sympathy for Klopp at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola said: "A lot - what he produces in world football is exceptional.
"I said many times, now, last season and in previous seasons and when he was in Germany or wherever, his philosophy makes football attractive for all spectators.
"He always wants to produce joy to the fans, to world football. There's no doubt about this.
"We all have good moments and bad moments, there is no manager or club that can sustain seasons and seasons winning, winning, winning. It would be boring.
"Sometimes you have to lose a little bit to realise. I speak personally, from my point of view. Sometimes it's good to lose to realise how difficult everything is.
"And when you come back and try to win some games, you get more credit, more value, and you are more satisfied that you are doing that."
Klopp has told Liverpool fans they "don't need to worry" about him following speculation surrounding his future at Anfield.
The German cut a downbeat figure after the 3-1 defeat at Leicester City, prompting rumours he was considering leaving the club.
But Klopp has insisted that he has no intention of taking a break.
The Anfield boss has recently had to contend with the death of his mother and the fact he was unable to attend her funeral in Germany due to coronavirus restrictions.
He has received plenty of support from fans on social media, with a banner declaring “Jurgen Klopp YNWA” put up outside Anfield.
“The banner was nice, but not necessary," said Klopp. "I don’t feel that I need special support in the moment, but it’s very nice.
“Thanks for all the support. I don’t really see it but people tell me about it.
“I’m very grateful about it but people can worry about other things. The don’t have to worry about me.”
Klopp added: “We do this for the people, it will never change. I feel the responsibility so much when things don’t go well.
“The majority of our people - and maybe even more so - are with us. It’s nice to feel it. But I would prepare to fight this fight with our people in the stadium.
“In a situation like this, it’s not what you wish for but you can show real unity and togetherness.
“If the stadium was full for the next 10 games I would love that we fight together.
"But we fight together in different places. Knowing we have their support is great.”
