FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Southampton v Manchester City - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, Britain - December 30, 2018 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during the match Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
(Reuters) - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed Premier League leaders Liverpool as the best team in Europe, but said his side could take inspiration from last season's 5-0 win at the Etihad Stadium ahead of Thursday's showdown between the two.
City's thumping of the Merseysiders last season was one of the highlights of their title success but Guardiola's side have run into trouble this season, losing three of their last five league games to sit third with 47 points.
