Pep Guardiola compares Man City vs Liverpool rivalry to Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer dominance of tennis

Pep Guardiola has said there are similarities between the enduring rivalry of Manchester City and Liverpool, to that of the recurring battles between Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in tennis.

The Premier League’s top two sides renew their rivalry on Sunday when they meet in a potentially title-defining clash in the Premier League.

The pair have finished top in all of the last four seasons, and that looks likely to be extended to five this term, with the pair well clear of third-place Chelsea in the table.

Asked if the rivalry between the two clubs is a battle for the ages and comparable with that of Nadal and Federer, Guardiola responded: “I would say Nadal, Federer and Djokovic was two decades and we are five years. But in football the situations run quicker and to sustain success is more difficult than other sports.

“I will remember my period here when I’m watching and playing golf, I’ll remember my biggest rivals was Liverpool, for sure.”

Quizzed on whether Liverpool have pushed City on to achieve greater feats, the Catalan opined: “Absolutely we wouldn’t be as good but for them. After you achieve 100 points, with 98 points, you need someone to push you from behind. You have to make another step, that’s for sure.

“I think the credit I give to both teams is consistency through the years; it is not just winning one Premier, both teams are there for four or five years. This is the most difficult thing in sport and that is why Federer, Nadal and Djokovic and all athletes around the world, when they are there every year, that makes me the most proud.”

Guardiola denies Brazil links

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola was also asked about stories this week linking him with the Brazil manager’s job.

However, the 51-year-old said he doesn’t ‘know where it’s come from’.

“Not today, come on. I'm under contract here, I'm so happy here,” a slightly irritated Guardiola replied.

“I'm willing to stay forever here. There cannot be a better place to be. I'd extend the contract 10 years, [if I was willing to] extend the contract 10 years. Now is not the moment. I don't know where it's come from.”