"The best team I ever faced in my life" - Pep Guardiola hails Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool team and highlights six players who were crucial

Pep Guardiola has explained why facing Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp's reign was the toughest opponent of his managerial career. The Manchester City manager and the former Reds boss locked horns at the top of English football for almost a decade.

Klopp left Anfield at the end of last season after nine years in charge of the Merseysiders. The German halted Guardiola's dominance of the Premier League by claiming the title in 2020.

Guardiola reflected on the iconic duo's rivalry by dubbing Klopp's Liverpool, the best team he had collided with. He told Sky Sports:

"You know the rivalry we had in the last years. It's (Liverpool) the best team I've ever faced in my life. Can you tell me how (you deal) with (Sadio) Mane, (Mohamed) Salah, (Roberto) Firmino, Fabinho, (Jordan) Henderson, (Virgil) Van Dijk in his prime?"

Guardiola faced Klopp 22 times across competitions during the latter's time at Anfield. He oversaw seven wins and eight defeats, with the German being his toughest managerial rival.

Klopp's team was boosted by the aforementioned six shining at the peak of their powers. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were a fearsome front three, while Fabinho and Jordan Henderson held the fort in midfield:

"We beat that team, you see, come on man (it's not easy), the hours and hours of thinking and work and work and work and that's why this looks easy like you said. There's just one way to solve that: lose."

Guardiola faces Klopp's replacement, Arne Slot, for the first time in the Premier League today (December 1). If City lose, they'll slip 11 points behind the Merseysiders' league leaders.

---

Jamie Carragher thinks Jurgen Klopp set Guardiola one last challenge amid Liverpool's incredible start under Slot

Jamie Carragher thinks Jurgen Klopp gave Pep Guardiola one last mission (Image - Getty)

Slot's made a sensational start to his Anfield reign, with Liverpool flying high at the top of the Premier League. The Dutchman's troops are also leading the UEFA Champions League table while City have alarmingly faltered.

Guardiola's Cityzens are without a win in their last six games across competitions. They have suffered three consecutive defeats in the league and head into their clash with the Reds as underdogs for the first time in years.

Jamie Carragher suggested that Klopp left Slot a team that could continue to thrive at the top of English football. The former Liverpool defender thinks this is a challenge Guardiola is being tasked with (via The Telegraph):

"City versus Liverpool has been the defining rivalry of recent years. Guardiola has been the overall winner, but Klopp left one final challenge for his old adversary to match: How to leave the perfect legacy for a successor to continue your work."

The Reds didn't need any changes to the one Klopp left behind in the summer. Federico Chiesa arrived from Juventus as the only summer signing but has rarely had a look in.

Klopp's favorites, Salah and Van Dijk, among others, are shining under Slot. However, once the Spaniard departs, Guardiola's team may not be strong enough for such a transition.