Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has defended Jurgen Klopp from critics following comments made by the Liverpool boss after the 2-2 FA Cup draw with Shrewsbury Town.
Liverpool now face a replay with the League One side at Anfield next week, which falls in their winter break, and Klopp has stated first-team players will not feature in the clash.
Klopp also insisted he will not take charge of the match, which has led some to claim that he is dishonouring the integrity of the competition - despite the fact the Reds already face a daunting fixture schedule.
While rivals on the field, Klopp has found an ally in his stance from City boss Guardiola- who told reporters that they cannot be told what team to play in any match.
“We accept the schedules of the competitions, the games every two or three days, but don’t tell the manager the selection he has to choose,” said Guardiola.
“We will be there, but don’t tell us which players we have to play in games.”
The winners of the FA Cup fourth-round replay between Liverpool and Shrewsbury will face Chelsea in the fifth round in March following last night's draw for the next round of the competition.
