Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes that Jurgen Klopp has been 'stirred up' by comments from Pep Guardiola.
Liverpool host Man City on Sunday at Anfield in a huge Premier League clash at the top of the table.
The Reds remain unbeaten after 11 matches and they have opened up a six points lead on Man City with a chance to go nine point clear with victory at the weekend.
The war of words has already started ahead of the game with Pep Guardiola labelling Sadio Mane as a 'diver' in his post-match Aston Villa press conference.
Jurgen Klopp has today hit back at the comments and Richards thinks that the mind games are on show already with still days to go until the match.
Speaking on BBC Five Live's Monday Night Club, he explained: "I think it's mind games. That's what the title race needs.
"Two great managers coming up against each other. He's just trying to upset the applecart a bit.
"I don't think it's fear, why would it be?
"Pep has already won the league so all the pressure is on Liverpool because they are great in Europe but the fans just want that Premier League. I think all the pressure is on Liverpool.
"It looks like Pep's comments have stirred Klopp up. When things were said when we were in the title race, you try not to react to it.
"The way Klopp has reacted, he's had a little nibble there."
