Liverpool and Manchester City have a rivalry like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, claims Jurgen Klopp.
City and Liverpool have shared the last five Premier League titles, and have pushed each other to great heights in that time as the points required to win the league has regularly topped 90 points.
Unfortunately for Klopp, who only has one title to show for a incredible team, City have had the edge and have four titles under Pep Guardiola. It is that challenge of beating City that Klopp says has helped to improve his side even if they don't have the titles they may have won without the Blues being so consistent.
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When asked if both sides have pushed each other to be better, he replied: "Probably. If you play professional football at the highest level, the focus is on your own games. As a moment in the season you cannot avoid watching the table.
"In sport, I think what helps the most is a strong opponent. In the long term, especially.
"I think Nadal and Federer enjoyed a lot the rivalry they had. That's how it is in sport. I wouldn't say I'm thankful City is that good, but it didn't harm our development."
Looking ahead to the City game - with one point separating the sides at the top of the Premier League - Klopp said the result won't decide the title and Liverpool are not thinking ahead of Sunday's fixture.
"I cannot decide what people think, but we can just go through the possible results," he said.
"If we win we are two points ahead, we lose we're four points behind. If it's a draw, one point behind - that is it. Does anyone think that's done and dusted? I cannot change it but I know nobody from City would think it.
"A very important game. I like it, these challenges are nice. If we were fourteen or fifteen points behind it will still be a good game. It's good, we've qualified for a good game with the season we've played so far and I'm really happy we can be part of it. We give it a try.
"I'm expecting a good game. I know very often that doesn't happen when two top teams face each other.
"Our history with City shows that very often they have been a pretty interesting watch because both teams really go for it and want to create chances, use momentum. That's why I expect an interesting football game."
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