Pep Guardiola "not judging" Liverpool's transfer spending

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted that he does not judge Liverpool's transfer spending ahead of their pre-season friendly on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp has made four additions to his side this summer – Naby Keita, Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson Becker – for a total reported to be around £164m.

However, Guardiola refused to criticise Klopp's spending, saying it is natural that others will want to bolster their squads after City won the 2017-18 Premier League season with a record-breaking 100-point campaign.

"Every club does what they believe. I understand the money completely," said Guardiola in a pre-match press conference.

"Liverpool believe they need these players and spend this money so I'm not judging what they're doing. If they decide that then it's perfect for them. I don't like when my colleagues talk about me.

"We increased the level of the Premier League and that means the other ones want to do better and better. Always Liverpool is a contender with the history they have. We'll see on the pitch."

Guardiola has brought in two new players this summer, with defender Philippe Sandler and winger Riyad Mahrez arriving for £2m and £61m respectively.