Gary Neville has labelled Liverpool an “exceptional” team but has admitted he “can’t look forward” to a title race between the Reds and Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s side recorded a 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday , courtesy of a Diogo Jota header and late penalty from Fabinho. While Manchester City restored their one point lead at the top of the table with a win over Burnley.
It sets up a nail-biting showdown between the two sides at the Etihad next weekend that will give Liverpool the opportunity to edge in front of City in the title race. And ex-Manchester United defender Neville was forced to accept “the greatness” of both sides, ahead of the potential title-decider.
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“A good job for those two today. Post-internationals, getting your players back, getting that win under your belt is really important for those two,” he said on the Gary Neville Podcast . “If you’d have seen City drop points this afternoon it would have given (Liverpool) a massive boost but we go into that game next Sunday and it’s going to be absolutely brilliant.
“I can’t look forward to it from a Manchester United fan’s point of view because it’s Liverpool and Manchester City , but what you have to respect as a football fan is the greatness of these two teams. And what we’re going to witness next Sunday will be exceptional. It will be a fantastic few weeks of football.”
Liverpool’s win over Watford represented the team’s first steps in a month that is set to define their season as the Reds compete across three competitions. Having given key players a rest after the international break, Neville also praised Jurgen Klopp for how he managed his squad against the Hornets.
“Gomez plays right-back, Mane’s on the bench, Diaz on the bench, doesn’t play Fabinho and brings him on later on, so he’s clever, Jurgen Klopp,” he said. “He’s got Benfica twice, he’s got Manchester City twice, massive games coming up. And he’s started to put a plan in place. But he’s got such a strong squad, great firepower.”
Neville added: “Liverpool and Manchester City are exceptional teams and they’re able to fall below their best and get the job done and do it comfortably. Because they’ve got authority and they’ve got strength right the way through the club. The managers in particular are absolutely wonderful.”
