Pep Guardiola has told Man City why they should back Liverpool FC in Champions League vs Real Madrid

As Manchester City players and fans may still be on a high after their dramatic Premier League title win, there may be a drop back down to earth this weekend as Liverpool and Real Madrid prepare for the Champions League final.

City were seconds away from facing Liverpool in the final, but collapsed at the Bernabeu to allow Real to force extra time in the semi-final, where they would eventually win the tie and send the Blues crashing out. The response to that couldn't have been stronger from City, who were defiant on and off the pitch to secure a fourth title in five years and end Liverpool's quadruple hopes.

Blues fans may be keen to see Liverpool's revised treble chances ended on Saturday against Real, but there may be a part of Pep Guardiola who will be rooting for Jurgen Klopp's side to lift another Champions League title.

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Firstly, this Liverpool side is one of the greatest English football has ever produced. If City can't win a trophy, it reflects well on the Premier League and England that a domestic rival is challenging for these titles.

Liverpool, too, have been gracious in defeat this week regarding the Premier League. Klopp was full of honesty and praise for City in the immediate aftermath of the final day, with no hint of bitterness or rivalry. He later texted Ilkay Gundogan a message of congratulations, and captain Jordan Henderson also congratulated the Blues.

This is turning into one of the elite Premier League rivalries, but it is one based on plenty of mutual respect between the clubs and what they are achieving. The respect shown to City in recent days would surely be repaid if Liverpool lift the European Cup.

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