Pep: City will give Liverpool guard of honour

Manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed Manchester City will give Liverpool a guard of honour when the two sides meet at the Etihad on Thursday.

Guardiola’s side surrendered their Premier League title after their 2-1 defeat by Chelsea, which saw the Reds crowned champions with seven games still to be played.

Jurgen Klopp’s side could be set for seven guards of honour if all of their remaining opponents decide to take part, but the fixture list means their first will come against last season’s Premier League winners.

And Guardiola insisted City will respect the Reds’ achievement.

“We are going to do the guard of honour, of course. We will always receive Liverpool in an incredible way when they come to our house,” he said.

“So of course we are going to do this, because they deserve it.”

City received five guard of honours in the 2017-2018 season after equalling Manchester United’s record of winning the Premier League title after 33 games.

But that record was broken when Liverpool’s victory was confirmed by City’s defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Forming a guard of honour is not compulsory and at an individual club’s discretion.

The Reds have three other away trips in addition to their visit to the Etihad with games against Brighton, Arsenal and Newcastle.

Klopp’s side will also play Aston Villa, Burnley and Chelsea at Anfield before the end of the 2019-20 season.