Guardiola’s Accidental Liverpool Message Does Klopp’s Job For Him

“The lesson is never to give up. That is the lesson to all athletes. Try to win the games, because life can change immediately.”

Those words were from Pep Guardiola, speaking deep within the bowels of Goodison as he pondered how City have transformed from being one defeat away from trailing Liverpool by 10 points to now being marginally ahead. Yet they should surely also ring true for Jurgen Klopp's men.

Okay, there's no doubt the Reds have not been at their best since the 2-1 defeat at the Etihad at the turn of the year, hampered by tiredness and a raft of injuries.

Don't forget City briefly fell apart over Christmas primarily because they were missing just one player, central midfield anchor Fernandinho.

Oh, and they did lose their third Premier League game of the season barely a week ago when shocked 2-1 at Newcastle United.

A win over Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday would restore a three-point advantage from the same number of games.

In praising the fighting spirit of his players, Guardiola has also sent a timely reminder to Liverpool that, despite their minor wobble and the wailing of some fans, it's not a done deal.

Of course, there is a school of thought that Guardiola should be ignored altogether.

Deep into the campaign, it's impossible to readily dismiss what City – along with fellow challengers Tottenham Hotspur and their boss Mauricio Pochettino – say or do.

So if Klopp had fears self-doubt was beginning to creep into his players after an astonishing top-flight season so far, he need only refer to Guardiola's words.

This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago