Guardiola Makes Emotional Statement About Manchester City Star Despite Benching Him Against Liverpool

• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has proclaimed his affection for Riyad Mahrez despite benching the Algerian for Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool
• Mahrez was one of three players benched from Manchester City’s starting eleven against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League
• In a historic match, the Algerian joined the action in the second half as the two closest rivals battled for the league crown

Pep Guardiola has revealed the real reason Riyad Mahrez was benched against Liverpool as the Citizens were held to a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Mahrez made a substitute appearance after losing his starting birth to Phil Foden but came on in the second half for Raheem Sterling in the 75th minute as City pushed for a winner with the game tied at 2-2.

According to a report via Goal, Guardiola says he loves the Algerian as a player but wanted a different quality in the attack against Liverpool.

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"I'm in love with Riyad Mahrez; he is an incredible player and person. Today, we thought we needed a different quality upfront. We will need him until the end."

Mahrez has been one of City’s outstanding players this season as the Algerian has scored 10 goals in the Premier League and 6 goals in the Champions League.

Klopp describes City draw like a boxing bout

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp is still reminiscing on the epic draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, April 10.

According to Sky Sports, Liverpool's thrilling 2-2 tie with Manchester City on Super Sunday was compared to a "boxing fight" by Klopp.

The Reds battled back twice as goals from Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane cancelled out earlier strikes from Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus respectively to leave the Premier League title race finely poised for the remaining few matches.

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Heartwarming moment Pep Guardiola hugs Jurgen Klopp

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Pep Guardiola was involved in a heart-warming moment with his counterpart Jurgen Klopp after their teams clashed at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, April 10.

Guardiola's Man City hosted title rivals, Liverpool, on the blue side of Manchester in what was touted as the ultimate decider on who wins the EPL crown at the end of the season.

Only one point separated City and the Reds ahead of the mouth-watering clash, with a winner of the tie guaranteed a golden chance to lift the domestic crown.