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Pep Guardiola reflects on "incredible" Barca-Liverpool game

Pep Guardiola reflects on
© Reuters
The Reds suffered Champions League disappointment in midweek but can return to the top of the Premier League on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola does not think Liverpool's title challenge will be affected by their Champions League defeat at Barcelona.

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 at the Nou Camp in the first leg of their semi-final in midweek.

They now need to refocus on the Premier League with a trip to Newcastle, for their penultimate fixture, on Saturday evening.

Victory would take the Merseysiders back to the top of the table ahead of City's clash with Leicester on Monday.

City boss Guardiola said: "I think the game was incredibly good, both sides were incredible. Liverpool were outstanding.

"It was an incredible game, I enjoyed a lot watching it. I don't think it will affect them really, they fought a lot for this season.

"I think it will be not easy at Newcastle – like Leicester will not be – but they will be well prepared to win there."

Defeat for Liverpool would give City the chance to secure the title on Monday but Guardiola is not thinking about what it would mean to lift the silverware.

"From the beginning I've been asked this kind of question," he said at his pre-match press conference.

Manchester City need two wins to retain the Premier League trophy
Manchester City need two wins to retain the Premier League trophy (Martin Rickett/PA)

"What we have to do is (play) Leicester. I'm really impressed, the last games, with what I saw about what they do, the quality they have. All we can do is focus on that."

Guardiola expects a strong challenge from the Foxes, dismissing suggestions they have little to play for.

He said: "I cannot imagine the Leicester players come here for their holidays. Maybe they have a chance to finish seventh. It depends on other results but they will try to make a good game."

Liverpool will likely need a favour from former manager Brendan Rodgers
Liverpool will likely need a favour from former manager Brendan Rodgers (Martin Rickett/PA)

Both Leicester and Newcastle are managed by former Liverpool bosses in Brendan Rodgers and Rafael Benitez respectively but Guardiola insists that is irrelevant this weekend.

He said: "It's the same, Brendan and Rafa were in Liverpool but it's in the past. They'll want to win.

"I cannot imagine going to a former club and not wanting to win, even if I do not have to win. They have the prestige. I don't have doubts about that.

"It (makes) no sense this kind of question. The players and manager will want to win. All of them want to do a good performance."

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Leicester City defender Harry Maguire in action during his side's Premier League clash with Manchester United on February 3, 2019
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