Jurgen Klopp: 'Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has labelled Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola "the best coach in the world" ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown with the Citizens.

The Reds head into the Etihad battle only one point behind the reigning champions in the table, only a couple of months after the Premier League title was seemingly a foregone conclusion.

Guardiola joked that he would overthink "stupid" tactics before his side's Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid, but Klopp was frustrated at those who did not see the irony in the Catalan's comments.

"It was ironic. If you're going to talk to us at least help us," Klopp told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "Pep is the best coach in the world. If anyone doubts him.... I have no idea how that could happen.

"The things he won, the football he played - we all think a lot and that is the reason why sometimes we make mistakes and sometimes we find the right things to do. It makes us more independent."

Victory for the Reds at the Etihad would lift them two points above Guardiola's men in the table with seven games to go in the 2021-22 Premier League season.