Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players over Liverpool's influence on the referee ahead of the fierce encounter between the two football clubs.
Manchester City have always found it difficult at Anfield with managing two victories in 43 years in front of the Kop.
Guardiola admitted that the only way Manchester City can defeat Liverpool is to play at their best to avoid any dodgy decisions from the referee.
Pep Guardiola said, "You can’t control what happens in the stadium with the referees. We can only perform better; that’s all we can do. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last, and all we have to do is perform better."
"We have to overcome these situations. To do the big achievements, like trying to fight for four Premier Leagues in a row, which no team has done ever, ever, this is the type of challenge we have to face."
"We have to overcome absolutely everything; otherwise, it will be difficult in that case to win on Sunday.”
Michael Oliver will be in charge of the latest showdown between the two heavyweights. Oliver was in charge when Manchester City defeated Liverpool at Anfield 4-1 in the Premier League three years ago.
The official gave penalties to both teams in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also the referee when Liverpool defeated Manchester City 3-1.
In the match, Manchester City players protested against the referee for failing to give a penalty kick after Alexander Arnold's handball.
Last year, Phil Foden's goal was controversially ruled out for a foul on Erling Haaland, with Mohamed Salah scoring the winning goal at the end of the match.
Manchester City will move to the top of the Premier League table if they defeat Liverpool. Although, a defeat will see them move to third place in the Premier League table.
How Referees Decision Had Favoured Liverpool Over Manchester City Over The Years
1. April 2018 Champions League: Liverpool 3-0 Manchester City
Mohamed Salah's first goal should have been ruled out for offside, but it stood. Pep Guardiola got extremely angry after Gabriel Jesus goal was disallowed.
In addition, Raheem Sterling was denied a penalty after he was taken down by Andy Robertson in the box.
2. October 2021 (Premier League) Liverpool 2:2 Manchester City: James Milner tripped Phil Foden in the 18-yard box and went unpunished. Although he was later given a second yellow card for his horrible foul on Bernardo Silva.
3. November 2023 (Premier League). Manchester City 1:1 Liverpool. Manuel Akanji had a goal ruled out for a foul on Alisson despite making minimal contact with the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Who do you think would win the match, Liverpool or Manchester City? Air your views in the comment section.
Manchester City have always found it difficult at Anfield with managing two victories in 43 years in front of the Kop.
Guardiola admitted that the only way Manchester City can defeat Liverpool is to play at their best to avoid any dodgy decisions from the referee.
Pep Guardiola said, "You can’t control what happens in the stadium with the referees. We can only perform better; that’s all we can do. It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last, and all we have to do is perform better."
"We have to overcome these situations. To do the big achievements, like trying to fight for four Premier Leagues in a row, which no team has done ever, ever, this is the type of challenge we have to face."
"We have to overcome absolutely everything; otherwise, it will be difficult in that case to win on Sunday.”
Michael Oliver will be in charge of the latest showdown between the two heavyweights. Oliver was in charge when Manchester City defeated Liverpool at Anfield 4-1 in the Premier League three years ago.
The official gave penalties to both teams in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also the referee when Liverpool defeated Manchester City 3-1.
In the match, Manchester City players protested against the referee for failing to give a penalty kick after Alexander Arnold's handball.
Last year, Phil Foden's goal was controversially ruled out for a foul on Erling Haaland, with Mohamed Salah scoring the winning goal at the end of the match.
Manchester City will move to the top of the Premier League table if they defeat Liverpool. Although, a defeat will see them move to third place in the Premier League table.
How Referees Decision Had Favoured Liverpool Over Manchester City Over The Years
1. April 2018 Champions League: Liverpool 3-0 Manchester City
Mohamed Salah's first goal should have been ruled out for offside, but it stood. Pep Guardiola got extremely angry after Gabriel Jesus goal was disallowed.
In addition, Raheem Sterling was denied a penalty after he was taken down by Andy Robertson in the box.
2. October 2021 (Premier League) Liverpool 2:2 Manchester City: James Milner tripped Phil Foden in the 18-yard box and went unpunished. Although he was later given a second yellow card for his horrible foul on Bernardo Silva.
3. November 2023 (Premier League). Manchester City 1:1 Liverpool. Manuel Akanji had a goal ruled out for a foul on Alisson despite making minimal contact with the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Who do you think would win the match, Liverpool or Manchester City? Air your views in the comment section.