Doubting Man City ‘biggest joke in football history’ – Klopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says you can't count out Manchester City in this year's Premier League title race, with Pep Guardiola's side slipping to six points behind leaders Arsenal.

City suffered a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday – their fourth consecutive league game without a win – which leaves them in fourth place.

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However, Klopp, whose Liverpool side have been pipped to the Premier League title by City on several occasions, said dismissing the treble winners as challengers would be a huge mistake.

“If someone wanted to write off City, it would be the biggest joke in the history of football,” Klopp said after Liverpool's 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday.

“Arsenal are struggling and have had a similar experience [to what] It's really good, but anyway you have to start the next game from 0-0.

“Aston Villa are incredible. [Manchester] United are there, maybe not playing exactly the football they want yet – the media or otherwise – but they're getting points like crazy. »

Guardiola admitted his side are “struggling” to return to their title-winning form as they aim for an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League trophy.

“We know our level and as a manager we have to find a way to win games. We are struggling a bit. I am here to help them,” Guardiola said.