Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has paid a glowing tribute to title rivals Liverpool.

Until this season, Guardiola was convinced the best opposing team he'd seen from the touchline was his former club Barcelona, led by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar up front, when they beat his Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals four years ago on their way to lifting the trophy.

“In my career as a manager, I played against incredible sides," said Guardiola. “But there are two that were 'Wow!' One is Barcelona managed by Luis Enrique, with Neymar, Messi and Suarez. The other is this Liverpool.

"They're the best two sides I've faced as a manager.

“That's why being there, with it in our hands, fighting against them until the end, being seven points behind [as City were in January], is so good. It's the toughest league I've ever played as a manager, for the quality from the rivals. No doubts. That's why being there is incredible.

"But, of course, only one will take the prize and the other one will be at home sad.

“Last season [when City won 100 points, 19 more than runners-up Man United] was incredible, but this season we fought against an incredible team that has everything — physicality, runs in behind, they've improved a lot in the positional game.

“That's why I'm so delighted after what happened. I didn't expect to get the points we have this season so far after what we did last season. Normally, the tendency for human beings is to relax a little bit."