Manchester City showed Liverpool that they are still a competitor in Premier League on Thursday. Although Liverpool already won the title, Pep Guardiola made a statement with this game.
Man City was able to win 4-0 with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden. Then an unfortunate own goal by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
“The manager said that next season started today,” Sterling said. “We had a test to make a point and we did brilliantly.”
De Bruyne was able to help make the statement by playing yet another good game. Especially after Guardiola said that De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders in the world of football. Even Jurgen Klopp commented on De Bruyne’s playing.
“Kevin has something unique – running, vision the personality – right now he’s the best. In midfield, he’s the best. He can get better of course, he knows it,” Klopp said.
Klopp also went on to talk about Liverpool’s mentality heading into the game.
“It’s important, especially because Liverpool were incredibly focused. They didn’t even say thank you [for a guard of honor], just focused. That’s why they are champions of Europe and the Premier League.
“They had drunk a lot of beers but they arrived here without beer in their blood. That is why we deserve credit. This will help us, especially for Real Madrid.”
Jurgen Klopp maintained Liverpool’s desire to win and play well. He brushed off any questions that put the team’s motivation into a bad light.
“I saw a brilliant attitude, boys who were fighting,” Klopp said. “Nobody was like ‘hey I am coming here, we don’t care’. We care a lot.
“If there is a team in the world that can smash us like this it is probably City but we will come again. If City are clicking it is uncomfortable to play them.
“We had good moments but it is difficult to mention them because we lost 4-0. The boys showed we are ready to fight again.”
The 20-year-old Foden wants more responsibility at Manchester City next year. With Daniel Silva leaving the team he wants to help guide their next steps.
“It is incredible that we have him for the next 10 years,” Guardiola added. “Gareth (Southgate) has incredible talent for the national team. In time he will learn to be a holding midfielder he has the ability I don’t want to dismiss the chance to play him close to the box, he has something special.”
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich is apologizing to Man City for the accidental leakage of photos. It was speculated that Leroy Sane was moving to Munich. The signing pictures were accidentally released before the official announcement. Regardless, Sane will move to Munich on a £55 million deal.
It will be interesting to see how Liverpool and City play against each other next year.
