Guardiola told lads to make statement about next season before Liverpool game (Dailymail)

Pep Guardiola told his Manchester City players to make a statement about next season before they thrashed new Premier League champions Liverpool.

 

Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden all netted before Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain's unfortunate own goal completed the surprising rout.

Sterling revealed details of Guardiola's team talk. "The manager said that next season started today," the forward said. "We had a test to make a point and we did brilliantly." De Bruyne further underlined his importance to City, who are still chasing glory in the FA Cup and Champions League, on a night Guardiola labelled him the best midfielder in world football.

"Kevin has something unique - running, vision the personality - right now he's the best. In midfield, he's the best. He can get better of course, he knows it.

"It's important, especially because Liverpool were incredibly focused. They didn't even say thank you (for a guard of honour), just focused. That's why they are champions of Europe and the Premier League.

"They had drunk a lot of beers but they arrived here without beer in their blood. That is why we deserve credit. This will help us, especially for Real Madrid." 

Jurgen Klopp maintained that Liverpool retain in hunger and desire required to earn a result at the Etihad Stadium, bristling at questions surrounding the team's mentality. "I saw a brilliant attitude, boys who were fighting," Klopp said. "Nobody was like 'hey, I am coming here, we don't care.' We care a lot.

"If there is a team in the world that can smash us like this it is probably City but we will come again. If City are clicking it is uncomfortable to play them.

"We had good moments but it is difficult to mention them because we lost 4-0. The boys showed we are ready to fight again."

Foden, the 20-year-old midfielder, again indicated that he is ready to take on more responsibility next term in the absence of David Silva.

"It is incredible that we have him for the next 10 years," Guardiola added. "Gareth Southgate has incredible talent for the national team. In time he will learn to be a holding midfielder he has the ability. I don't want to dismiss the chance to play him close to the box, he has something special."

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                                                                                                                        Saif