Jurgen Klopp joked that Pep Guardiola 'should play poker' after the Manchester City's manager hinted he would field a weakened team against Chelsea on Thursday.
Guardiola suggested he would rest a number of key players for pastipoker the visit to Stamford Bridge with one eye on their FA Cup quarter-final at Newcastle United on Sunday.
Anything less than a City win at Chelsea will see Liverpool confirmed as Premier League champions after Klopp's side thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday.
Jurgen Klopp joked that Pep Guardiola 'should play poker' in response to the Manchester City manager's suggestion he will field a weakened team against Chelsea on Thursday night
Guardiola suggested key players would be rested ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final
But the German wasn't being fooled by Guardiola's comments, saying: 'What?
He said that? Pep… he should play poker probably!'
Despite Liverpool's 23-point advantage over City at the top of the table, Klopp was effusive in his praise of Guardiola's side and the style of football they play.
'Manchester City - I couldn't respect them more,' he said on Sky Sports.
'The football they play, I really like it a lot.
We are different, we have to be different. We cannot be like Manchester City.
'We probably celebrate different things when they happen. There are different ways of football and I like them both.'
Klopp was effusive in his praise of Guardiola's City side despite romping away with the title
Having restarted their Premier League season with a goalless draw in the Merseyside derby with Everton on Sunday night, Liverpool rediscovered their best form to sweep Palace aside.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane scored to move Liverpool to the verge of a first title success in 30 years.
If Chelsea beat City or the game is drawn, Liverpool will be confirmed as champions.
But if City win, then Liverpool can seal the title by beating or drawing with their nearest challengers at the Etihad Stadium next Thursday.
