Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes Liverpool remain the best team in England - for the time being.
The Reds' title defence has been left in tatters after a difficult season in which they have been hampered by a succession of serious injuries and availability issues.
They stand a mammoth 19 points behind runaway leaders City in sixth place and face a battle to secure Champions League qualification.
But Guardiola is adamant the honour of Jurgen Klopp's side still being champions means they merit the accolade of being the country's top side.
"The best team in Europe is Bayern Munich because they won everything, they are the best," said Guardiola, speaking ahead of City's Premier League game at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
"In England the champions are Liverpool, they are the best.
"The crown, if you want to take it, you have to win. In March, no-one is the champion.
"Right now the champion is Liverpool, like in Europe it is Bayern Munich and if you want this honour you have to win it."
