Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Manchester City are the best team in the world.
Liverpool are top of the Premier League table after a perfect start to their campaign and are five points clear of reigning champions City.
But Klopp believes City - who have averaged 99 points in the last two Premier League seasons - are still superior to his Liverpool side.
"We cannot be the best team in Europe because Manchester City are the best team in the world - and that is the same planet I've heard," Klopp said ahead of Liverpool's Champions League opener against Napoli.
"There are a lot of good teams out there and you have to prove that [you are up there with the best] constantly.
"Last year, we were really good. I'm not sure we were the best team in Europe, but we were really good in the right moments and that's why we won the Champions League."
"We don't feel the burden because I don't know exactly how that should feel to be honest," said the German.
"It's long ago. Three or four months. The question keeps coming up about whether teams will play differently against us. I have no clue to be honest.
"I never went into a Champions League season, winning the Champions League the year before, so we will experience that [together for the first time]. I hope we are prepared for that."
bizou650
211
City is the best team in the World right now..in terms of squad depth, Manager, Playing style and tactical organization.. City is the best😍
bolaji yekeen
162
I think is enough, Liverpool should win the title this season to change this phone [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
lahanlyon2000
119
so Barcelona, real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern playing in division 4
Yaabcderu
94
Liverpool and Man city are trolling each other
BelloFCB
76
Guardioala "Congratulations Liverpool for winning the EPL" Kloop "Manchester City are the best team in the world"
chrison
75
is this guy serious.... I don't doubt him but win a champion league first...... [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] Liverpool is the best team in Europe rite now to what I see... but we'll come for our title back [byebye][byebye][byebye]
peteryilme08
52
Pep will soon come with his response to the above. Both Pep n Jurgen are playing chess games with their talks..like in chess, u make a move in answer to a counter move...Pep said liverpool is EPL champion already n now Jurgen is saying City is best team in d world..