Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to keep being a thorn in City’s 'lower back'

Klopp recognises how evenly-matched the sides have been in the last few seasons in the English top-flight

Jurgen Klopp, left, believes Pep Guardiola was right about Liverpool being a thorn in Manchester City’s side (Martin Rickett/PA)

Jurgen Klopp insisted he takes Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s tongue-in-cheek remark about Liverpool being a “pain in the a**” as a compliment as the rival teams prepare for another Premier League title run-in.

Guardiola’s comment last week referred to the Champions League and the sides he thinks could be a threat to City finally getting their hands on the most prestigious prize in European club football.