This season has been a momentous one for the newly-crowned Champions of Europe.
The Reds tasted victory at Europe’s highest table for the sixth time after missing out on the league title by one point – and that with records being broken all over the place.
A club-high 97 points wasn’t enough to beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to the Premier League trophy, who has now told the Premier League’s official website we’re the best rival he could have.
“They help us to be a better team, I am 100% convinced of that.
“When you have a contender like Liverpool and you analyse the quality they have in all departments, neutralising the counter-attack against 10 players, for Liverpool that happened quite often like it did for us.
“I have the feeling that they make us a better team. Always the value of the titles you win depends on the quality of the contender, on your big rival.”
Pochettino: “Liverpool are a great team. I think with Manchester City, the best team in England. They were competing head to head in the Premier League and of course have had an unbelievable Champions League. Full credit to Jurgen Klopp, fantastic manager.”
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) May 31, 2019
Despite our traditional rivalry being focused on the other side of Manchester, a modern one has started to emerge between City and Liverpool.
Nor did Pep when he issued a non-apology on behalf of his players and backroom staff.
However, Guardiola has admitted: “I cannot find a better one than Liverpool.
“In that level, that high level, it’s not just down to mental factors or skill, power or technique, it’s a mix for everything.
“As much as you increase the standard for all departments you are closer to achieve what you want to achieve.”
There are more Liverpool supporters in Madrid than there were at Man City’s treble parade.
— – (@lfcrealtalk) June 1, 2019
While we appreciate the Catalan boss’ praise (which we’re more than deserving of), it seems strange to pay tribute to Jürgen Klopp’s mighty Reds by switching focus back to how it makes them better.
It’s common knowledge that Guardiola’s most ardent desire is to once again get his hands on the Champions League trophy we’ve just won – it’s the ultimate dream of his employers too.
City have never won it and, although we’re not necessarily doubting Pep’s sincerity, it does seem somewhat disingenuous considering we won it literally just over a week ago.
He recently told City TV: “People say until we win the Champions League, we can’t be considered one of the greatest. It’s OK, we accept the challenge.”
Kopites are right to bang on about Liverpool winning a sixth European Cup..People were quick enough to take the piss after losing to Madrid last year,not to mention losing out on the title City..Go on about for as long as you want..This is our time.
— AnfieldUrchin (@AnfieldUrchin) June 6, 2019
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A domestic treble isn’t bad, but our Champions League win has seemingly overshadowed their unprecedented achievement in men’s English football.
We’ve ended the season on a massive high and thoughts are already heading towards how and when we will be adding to this first step in our trophy haul.
Next season, we’ll battle City again for the Premier League title and they will be no margin for error, let alone time for pleasantries.