Pep Guardiola’s Man City are jealous of Liverpool’s positive press – but that bitterness can drive the champions to yet another Premier League title

The narrative surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s achievements at Anfield, while somewhat frustrating for Pep Guardiola, has undeniably played a role in his team’s success. Guardiola’s sentiments stem from a perception that Klopp’s successes have garnered disproportionate praise compared to his own accomplishments with Manchester City.

Reflecting on his early days at Manchester City, Guardiola recalls advice from former assistant coach Brian Kidd, who downplayed the significance of the League Cup, suggesting, “Play the young players; nobody cares.” Despite Kidd’s counsel, Guardiola took the competition seriously and felt his efforts were underappreciated, particularly during City’s four consecutive League Cup victories from 2018 to 2021.

Guardiola’s discontent became apparent following Liverpool’s triumphs in 2022 and 2024, which he believed received more favorable media coverage than City’s achievements. He lamented the lack of acknowledgment for City’s successes, especially after narrowly defeating Liverpool in the Premier League in May 2019.

In an interview with beIN Sports, Guardiola went as far as to suggest that the media, and by extension, the nation, overwhelmingly favored Liverpool over City. This assertion was met with skepticism, considering the diverse fan base and rivalries present in English football, including the banter directed at Liverpool from opposing fans.

Guardiola’s frustration further surfaced when he questioned Liverpool’s Premier League track record, highlighting their singular title in the past three decades. Despite this, Guardiola’s persistent criticisms and jabs at Liverpool hinted at unresolved tensions.

The revelation of financial violations by City only added fuel to the fire, with Guardiola expressing exasperation and deflecting blame, questioning whether City’s actions were responsible for past misfortunes faced by Liverpool.

Interestingly, Guardiola acknowledged Liverpool’s significant contribution to City’s success, recognizing their role in pushing City to perform at their best consistently. He expressed shock at Klopp’s impending departure, acknowledging the impact it would have on the rivalry between the two clubs.

Despite the intense competition between Liverpool and City, there’s a mutual respect between Guardiola and Klopp, suggesting that their rivalry transcends mere animosity. Guardiola’s admiration for Anfield’s atmosphere contrasts with his frustration over his team’s performances at times.

As the two teams prepare to face each other once again, Guardiola’s desire to win at Anfield reflects his determination to prove City’s worth and challenge the media’s narrative favoring Klopp and Liverpool. The upcoming match serves as a crucial opportunity for City to assert their dominance and silence any doubts about their capabilities.

Ultimately, while Guardiola may feel overlooked or undervalued in comparison to Klopp, City’s continued success and rivalry with Liverpool have only fueled their drive for excellence.