Pep Guardiola made Liverpool feelings clear as Man City boss could make final Anfield visit

Pep Guardiola could make his final visit to Anfield later today, with speculation over the Manchester City boss' future ahead of the latest clash with Liverpool

Pep Guardiola has clashed with Liverpool fans on his visits to Anfield over the years(Image: Getty Images)

Anfield could be about to host Pep Guardiola for the final time today, with the Manchester City boss’ future the subject of renewed speculation ahead of the latest encounter with Liverpool.

Although he is under contract until 2027, rumors persist that the 55-year-old could be about to call time on his spell in charge at the Etihad. Reports have suggested that potential replacements are already being looked at, with Xabi Alonso said to be one of those under consideration.

Guardiola himself is yet to confirm anything, although he may have more incentive than usual to get a win over his “biggest rival” today.

The former Barcelona boss doesn’t have the best of records at Anfield. He only has one win under his belt at the home of the Reds, and that came with no supporters in attendance during the Covid-hit 2020/21 season.

Guardiola hasn’t shied away from his role as the pantomime villain when visiting Merseyside either. Who can forget him screaming “twice” after having penalty appeals waved away in 2019, or him holding six fingers up to the fans in response to the “you’re getting sacked in the morning” chants last season.

Beneath the bravado though, there is a huge amount of respect from the City boss for Liverpool, as he made clear this week.

"It is the toughest opponent," Guardiola said on his time at City. "A difficult place and stadium, especially with the quality of the players and managers. It has been tough.

Pep Guardiola will be aiming for just his second win at Anfield today(Image: Getty Images)

"I am trying to see how they play lately, what we have to do, adjust something.

"But not just Anfield, in all big stages in big games, always you need big personalities. Always I said, it is not about the skills of the players, in the big leagues and top clubs the skills are there.

"I never know one player not good enough to play in the big clubs; it is about how you behave, not play good or bad, but how you are as a player. You do it here, in the big stadiums at home and in the last stages of the competitions. That defines the good players and, as much you have, it defines the good teams.

"They [Liverpool] remain an exceptional team. Top-class manager and an exceptional team. The moments are the moments. The seasons are the seasons. I think it has revealed the squad, not for one season, for many years. Always it remains a good team."

Guardiola has gone even further on his admiration for the Reds in the past. Liverpool has provided City’s main competition for titles over the years, especially during Jurgen Klopp’s time in charge, and the former Barca and Bayern Munich boss is in no doubt about where his latest rivalry ranks.

“I will remember by period here, when I'm watching and playing golf, I’ll remember my biggest rivals as Liverpool,” Guardiola said back in 2022. “Absolutely we wouldn’t be as good but for them, after 100 points, 98 you need someone to push them.”

If it is to be Guardiola’s final visit to Anfield today, you can guarantee he’ll want to go out with a win. Liverpool and Arne Slot though will be aiming to continue his poor record on Merseyside.