There aren’t many teams that Pep Guardiola struggles to get the better of. However, Guardiola’s record at Anfield as Manchester City manager suggests they might be his kryptonite.
On Sunday, Liverpool and Manchester City go head-to-head at Anfield as the battle for the Premier League title continues. The game isn’t just two of England’s biggest teams meeting, it’s Jürgen Klopp vs Guardiola, one of this era’s biggest managerial battles.
Jurgen Klopp will face Pep Guardiola again on Sunday at Anfield. #LIVMCIpic.twitter.com/a3lAdAgTmB
— Premier League Boss (@EPLBoss) March 6, 2024
The pair first met in Germany, managing Dortmund (Klopp) and Bayern (Guardiola) and now they lock horns in England with Liverpool and Manchester City.
When you compare the two managers, Guardiola has the upper hand when it comes to their trophy cabinet and head-to-head meetings. But what’s Guardiola’s record at Anfield, and which one of the managers has the upper hand in Merseyside?
Guardiola’s Record at Anfield
Guardiola’s managed eight games at Anfield as Manchester City manager, winning just one of those games, losing five, and drawing two.
His first trip to Anfield came in December 2016. His side, who were just five months into his reign, lost 1-0 to Klopp’s side. The game’s only goal was scored by Georginio Wijnaldum in the eighth minute. Despite winning this game, and drawing the return leg, Guardiola’s side finished above Liverpool by two points.
The next time Guardiola visited Anfield, again in the Premier League, he saw his side lose yet again in January 2018. This time the game was a thriller, finishing 4-3. Liverpool were coasting to a 4-1 victory, but two late goals by Manchester City made the final moments tense for Liverpool. Manchester City couldn’t get the equaliser, and Guardiola’s record at Anfield stood a 0-2.
Guardiola’s third trip to Anfield came in the Champions League, just three months later. He again had to sit and watch as his side were picked apart by Liverpool, who won 3-0 on the night. The defeat made it 0-3 for Guardiola’s record at Anfield.
Guardiola’s First Point At Anfield
After three straight defeats at Anfield, Guardiola, even though he wouldn’t admit it, would have been desperate to end that run. His side went to Anfield in October 2018 and managed to bring back a point from neighbouring Liverpool. Despite all the attacking quality in both sides, they played out a 0-0 draw.
Looking at the bigger picture of that season, Manchester City pipped Liverpool to the league by one point. Although not directly responsible for them winning the league — it does make the point they won at Anfield even sweeter.
More Anfield Struggle Before Success
After seeing his side finally pick up a point at Anfield, Guardiola’s side would go on to lose their next visit to Liverpool. In the 2019/20 season, they lost 3-1 to Liverpool, who would go on to win the league that season.
The following season, Guardiola finally got the win over Klopp at Anfield. İlkay Gündoğan scored twice, along with one each for Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden, as they beat Liverpool 4-1 on their way to yet another Premier League title.
Their two most recent games at Anfield ended in a draw in October 2021 and another defeat in October 2022.
Will Guardiola Get Another Win On His Anfield Record?
When the two sides meet on Sunday, it’ll be the last game Klopp takes charge between the two sides in the Premier League. The German will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an end to his rivalry with Guardiola in England.
While Klopp will be desperate to end their rivalry with a win at Anfield, Guardiola will be keen to get the final laugh at Anfield after a torrid time there since joining City.
There’s no better time to play Liverpool than now. They’re missing key players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, but may have Mo Salah back in time for the crucial Premier League title race game.
Guardiola’s record at Anfield might have another win on there by the time the sun sets over Anfield on Sunday.
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