'I'm reading about Jurgen Klopp, I can't be f**ked with that' - Pep Guardiola prepares for one last dance with his greatest Man City rival

Pep Guardiola will have had some restless sleep in his city centre apartment this week, but the good news for the bleary-eyed Manchester City boss is that some sounder nights are now just a few months away. The bad news is what lies ahead to reach the point when he can tuck himself in contended at another job well done.

This weekend could yet be the defining day in the title race. With a worthwhile nod to Arsenal and their excellent form and the fact they might be top on Sunday, the meeting between City and Liverpool at Anfield has been circled in the calendars for a long time.

In his nine years in England, this is the game that has most troubled Guardiola. It is the one he most wants to win, but finds hardest to. His only victory at Anfield came when the crowds were absent in February 2021 and more memorable have been the moments when he has failed to control his emotions, much to the Kop's delight.

ALSO READ: Inside the Man City dressing room ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal games

ALSO READ: Haaland hits back at Alexander-Arnold after Man City spending dig

Who will ever forget his disbelieving rant during Liverpool's 3-1 win in November 2019, when he raised two fingers to fourth official Mike Dean and Anfield's Main Stand in anger at decisions that went against City. But it's not just Anfield that drives Guardiola to the edge, but the battle against Liverpool and the rivalry with Jurgen Klopp.

It is that combination that will have kept Guardiola up at night this week and as he admitted in January, when Klopp confirmed this season will be his last at Liverpool, he will sleep better when the German has gone. The farewell is coming, but first of all, City have to ruin it.

***

It is the head-to-head that has, if not