Roy Keane and Micah Richards clashed when asked about the performance of James Milner in Manchester City's loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
10.10.2022 - 13:11 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Pep Guardiola refused to entertain the idea that Liverpool's stuttering start to the season means they won't be tough opponents for Manchester City this weekend.
However, while Guardiola warned his players of the threat Liverpool possess, he also told them to put their entire focus on the midweek Champions League trip to Copenhagen before any thought of travelling to Anfield.
City go to Denmark on Monday, knowing a win on Tuesday will see them qualify for the last-16 of the Champions League with two games to spare. Guardiola often prioritises qualification for the knockout stages as soon as possible, and he struck a familiar tone when discussing the next two fixtures.
ALSO READ: Guardiola says Akanji switch 'scared' him after City training session
Guardiola was speaking after City's 4-0 win over Southampton, and before Liverpool's 3-2 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday that saw the Gunners return to the top of the Premier League table and leave Jurgen Klopp's side in tenth - already 13 points behind City.
He said: "I don’t have any intention to think about Liverpool. I think about Copenhagen as I want to finish first in the group and we have to win there. We have to finish the qualification and meet the first target of this part of the season and when we come back from the World Cup we want to be there in the last 16.
"After that we have four days to prepare for Anfield, and it won’t be any surprise to tell you how fascinating, difficult and competitive that will be. The biggest test I would say we can face in England is going to happen next Sunday."
READ NEXT:
Manchester City news homepage
Why Guardiola was 'upset' with Haaland
Guardiola handed strongest case yet for dropping Haaland
Guardiola challenges De
Roy Keane and Micah Richards clashed when asked about the performance of James Milner in Manchester City's loss to Liverpool on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola was involved in a series of angry exchanges on the touchline on Sunday afternoon as Manchester City slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.
The Premier League have confirmed that a foul by Erling Haaland in the build-up to Phil Foden's second-half goal in their clash at Anfield was the reason why it was disallowed.
Jurgen Klopp has told Pep Guardiola not to sign a new contract at Manchester City, and instead take a long sabbatical from football.
Liverpool are reportedly sweating over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate ahead of the visit of Manchester City but have not yet ruled him out of the contest.
Erling Haaland once caused Liverpool so many problems that Virgil van Dijk walked out of an interview when asked about the young striker.
Manchester City and Liverpool have been stand-out teams across the Premier League over the last few seasons, but can Jurgen Klopp and his under-performing side prevent themselves from a 'walloping' at Anfield this Sunday afternoon? All eyes will be on Merseyside for this one.
Manchester City take on Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend as Jurgen Klopp faces a selection headache.
Phil Foden has ended speculation over his future by signing a new five-year contract at Manchester City, saying he is in the perfect place to continue his development in the coming years.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes that all the pressure is on Liverpool ahead of Sunday's clash at Anfield.