Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Manchester City are still the best team in the world.

Klopp's Liverpool are seven points ahead of City at the top of the Premier League table ahead of their encounter at the Etihad on Thursday night.

But the German insists City are still the top team in world football.

"It's a normal game against Manchester City, a very difficult one, one of the most difficult games you can play in the modern football world, away at City. It's a really strong football team with an outstanding manager and that's how it is when you play them," Klopp told a media conference.

"You have to prepare as good as possible, we have to be brave, we have to be full of desire, angry again, like in all the other games. We have to be that, but with the knowledge that the opponent is, for me, still the best team in the world.

"That's how it is. I said it weeks ago because it's 100 per cent my opinion because of how they play, all the things they achieved, they will achieve and all that stuff, so nothing changed. Only the points changed but not the preparation for the game."