Pep Guardiola: 'Liverpool can cope without Philippe Coutinho'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that Liverpool "remain a top, top team", despite the loss of star midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

The Reds begin life without Coutinho in Sunday's Premier League encounter with City, having finally sold the Brazil international to Barcelona earlier this week.

Guardiola believes that the 25-year-old is 'perfectly suited' to Barca, where he spent four seasons in charge, and is adamant that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will adapt to life without the versatile ace.

"I think Barcelona have signed a top player who suits perfectly the way they have wanted to play for the last 20 years," he told reporters. "But Liverpool now have resources and they will go to the market. Jurgen knows exactly what he needs to do for his team and they remain a top, top team.

"They have already played a lot of games this season without Coutinho because of injuries and other reasons. And they were always a good, stable team, so this is not going to change my opinion about Liverpool."

Coutinho will reportedly cost Barcelona £142m to sign - £106m up front and the rest in realistic add-ons.