Pep Guardiola hailed the performance of Lionel Messi against Liverpool in the Champions League
Pep Guardiola insists Liverpool were ‘incredible’ despite slipping to a damaging 3-0 Champions League semi final first leg defeat against Barcelona in midweek.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were made to pay for missing a host of clear cut opportunities at Camp Nou as Lionel Messi put his stamp on the tie with two goals which tipped the balance firmly in Barcelona’s favour ahead of next week’s return leg at Anfield.
Liverpool have matched Manchester City stride for stride in an extraordinary title race which will see the runners-up finish with a record points tally.
The Reds can return to the summit with a win over Newcastle on Saturday, ahead Leicester’s trip to the Etihad on Monday, and Guardiola does not believe defeat to a Messi inspired Barca side will not leave Liverpool nursing any psychological scars.
Lionel Messi scored twice to put Barcelona on the brink of reaching the Champions League final at Liverpool’s expense
Lionel Messi scored twice to put Barcelona on the brink of reaching the Champions League final at Liverpool’s expense (Picture: Getty)
He said: ‘I don’t think so. The game was incredibly good. Both sides were incredible.
‘Liverpool were outstanding, i enjoyed watching it a lot. They fought a lot for this season and I think of course Newcastle is not easy but they will be well prepared.’
City could, meanwhile, be crowned champions on Monday again if results go there way but Guardiola knows his side will have to contend with the in-form Jamie Vardy who has scored 10 goals in his last nine matches.
‘His career speaks for itself, not just the last few games,’ said Guardiola of the Leicester striker. ‘He has done incredibly in this league, he’s an incredible striker with his movement and finishing. Before Leicester were a counter-attacking team, now with Brendan Rodgers they have another way to play, they can control parts of the game.
‘Brendan shows his incredible qualities as a manager that in two months his team already play the way they want to play.
‘They have incredible quality, they are so fast. I saw the last three games and I was really impressed. The players know it is an incredible task but it is a final for us. Hopefully the people can help us to make a good performance.’
