Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has admitted that Liverpool got the best of Pep Guardiola’s side last season and has challenged his teammates to overcome the increased competition in the Premier League ahead of the new campaign.
City broke a number of records in 2017/18, with their Premier League points tally hitting the 100 mark in what was an unprecedented achievement. Many are tipping Liverpool to be their closest challengers this season, after a a £123.6m spending spree this summer.
The Reds beat City on three occasions last season, once in the Premier League and twice in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the new season, England defender Walker has admitted that City must be careful of Liverpool and the other sides that will be looking to secure the Premier League title in 2018/19.
“Liverpool are strong,” Walker said. “They proved to us that they were probably our bogey team last season where they beat us a number of times. The home game was a little bit different with Mané getting sent off.
“We need to rise to that challenge because there are going to be teams… Arsenal have been doing really well in pre-season, Manchester United are always going to be strong. You’ve got Chelsea, Tottenham, so it’s going to be a tough season, but we’re really up for the challenge and we want to go and prove that we are the best team in the league.
“It’s going to be a lot different to last season as well because teams are strengthening and trying to keep up the pace with us, but it’s a pat on the back for us and it’s a compliment that people are going out and spending the money that they’re spending to try and compete with us.
“To break as many records as we did is going to be tough to do that again, but we need to retain that Premier League title.”
Can Man City dominate the Premier League again after transfer frustrations?
So far, City’s only significant arrival of the summer transfer window has been Riyad Mahrez, who completed a £60m switch from Leicester City in July.
Pep Guardiola has admitted that he would have liked to sign a holding midfield player to support Fernandinho, with the club having their long-term pursuit of Italian midfielder Jorginho hijacked by Chelsea. Another target, Fred, joined Manchester United.
But City’s strength in depth is clear for all to see. They have quality all over the pitch and Guardiola will be extremely focused on further improving his team this season.
The post Liverpool are Man City’s bogey team, says Kyle Walker appeared first on Squawka News.
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