The Etihad Stadium is set for the mouthwatering clash between Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City (Noisy Neighbours) and Jürgen Klopp‘s Liverpool (We will never walk alone) as both sides set to solidify their place in the Premier League Log.
Coming into the game the City side occupy the third position in the table on 56points, a point above Liverpool who are rooted in the fourth and final Champions League (position) places this season.
In the wake of this fixture we take a look at some difference between Manchester City sides managed by Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s Jürgen Klopp side as the stern test awaits both sides at the Etihad Stadium when kick off begins in earnest.
MANCHESTER CITY GOT MORE QUALITY
The Manchester City side no doubt have more quality going forward and in defence as City have or parade some of the finest youngster (Leroy Sane) and experience (Yaya Toure) in the modern game.
The Liverpool side though got quality but it cannot be likened to the quality and the superiority of the Manchester City side who have enough Arsenal in their hands to devour any opposition when they can find their rhythm in a game.
Liverpool may possess talent like Philippe Coutinho and Senegal forward Sadio Mane but the attacking trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and David Silva in behind Sergio Aguero are a testament to the riches and avalanche of attacking talent that City got in their disposal and will hopefully be banking on these quality personnel when they take to the pitch against Anfield side Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL GOT MORE TEAM SPIRIT
The Liverpool side are well structured and brewed under stern discipline and team spirit as the club under Jürgen Klopp have achieved more than expected this season under the German tactician.
The spirit which the Liverpool side exhibited against Burnley in the 2-1 win and in the 3-1 win where Mane ‘tore Arsenal in shreds was worthy of note as Klopp’s men approached the entire context more of like a Champions League Finals.
This team spirit have seen Liverpool come on board against the Big sides as they recorded positive result beating Arsenal home and away and drawing United on both occasions. The Blues who are the top of the League standings have been dealt a blow at Stamford Bridge as Liverpool were fearless and determined to get something out the game. Guardiola City lacked team spirit and character as Liverpool beat City 1-0 in the first leg with City looking feeble in the match despite the quality personnel they got in their kitty.
LIVERPOOL LACKED SQUAD DEPTH
The Anfield side lacked squad depth as regards to this season campaign. Unlike Liverpool the Etihad side have more than enough as they have quality personnel on the bench every now and then in games.
City got Leroy Sane and Jesus Navas including Raheem Sterling and Spanish forward Nolito all who can operate on the both wings. With Ikay Gundogan injured, City had Yaya Toure, Kevin De Bruyne and Fabian Delph in midfield to mention but a few but Jürgen Klopp’s team does not enjoy this king of options in his team as this have haunted Liverpool season following the injury of Philippe Coutinho and the absence of Sadio Mane due to the African Cup of Nations assignment.
The question is how do Liverpool line up against City knowing they got no options on the bench like that of City and how do the host Manchester City make their squad depth count against the Anfield side as kick-off approaches earnestly.
LIVERPOOL GOT MORE REPUTATION
The Liverpool side got more reputation as you can see from their history. The Istanbul turnaround where Liverpool defeated AC Milan after coming from a 3-0 down to tie the match at 3-3 which they eventually won on Penalty kicks under the inspiration of Liverpool duo of Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso as the Anfield side generated a massive accolades and awareness in the European game.
Liverpool turn around have followed their banner and achievement in Europe which have been etched in the pinnacle of English Football as the club have had their time and will never walk alone in the modern game.
City do not have that type of class ad reputation as this have led to City’s lack of followership in the game as compared to the Liverpool side who inspired a turnaround recently in the Europa League against Borussia Dortmund.
The Etihad side are a work in progress as their high point came when Kompany headed City into the lead over the United few seasons ago to clinch their first ever Premier League title in their history.
KLOPP A BETTER MAN MANAGER
Jürgen Klopp have managed to steer a moderate Liverpool side to the top four not only on their quality (Coutinho) of the team or the manager’s tactical onus but on the level of man management that the German have exhibited on the touchline and in the dressing room.
The Liverpool manager is jovial enough to create a welcoming and enabling environment among the players to decipher and communicate to his players tactically and otherwise. This have aided the team in the dressing room and on the pitch as the Liverpool coach celebrates each goal scored and with his players after every game with having a cordial relationship with Sadio Mane.
This managerial capacity cannot be said of Pep Guardiola who have fallen out with about three of his players this season.
The likes of Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Young lad Kelechi Iheanacho have had issues with Pep this term and this distorted the work ethics between the manger and the players at some point in the season.
I’m a freelance blogger, and a seasoned web designer and developer, PC Producer specializes in creating visually stunning, user-friendly websites that reflect each client’s unique brand identity. Our services include web design, web development, SEO optimization, and e-commerce solutions, all tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.