Pep Guardiola has hailed the atmosphere at Anfield, suggesting that it is unlike any other stadium in the world.
The Manchester City manager has never beaten Liverpool on their home turf since arriving in England, and he has identified the effect of the Kop as a key factor.
Speaking to Catalan outlet Aria, he said: “What it says, ‘This is Anfield’, it’s not marketing. It has something that no other stadium in the world has.
“They score a goal and in the next five minutes they seem to have four.
“You look small, you see opposing players everywhere.”
OPINION
Class recognises class, and for all of the rivalry that has germinated between Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years, it’s good to hear Pep speak in such favourable terms about the Reds. Obviously, to an extent, it is hard to deny the effect that Anfield has on a side. Look at the way that Barcelona, the most imperious side of them, crumbled and folded under the unrelenting pressure of a European night in front of the Kop. But it still takes a lot for Guardiola to make these comments, especially when you consider the fact that he is still yet to win at Anfield during his time in England. This isn’t just an idle platitude or lip service, you can tell that he means this, and that makes it all the more impressive. In fact, the only way that Anfield could be more impressive is if it had a Premier League trophy un the cabinet. Perhaps this is the year to put that right.
