Robbie Fowler says today’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City will be decided by the managers.
A former Reds and City striker, Fowler wrote for the Mirror: “This is a statement contest, as big as they will get in deciding the destination of the title… two modern giants going toe to toe.
“I’m talking about Liverpool and Manchester City of course, but I could equally be talking about the two managers, who must now surely be recognised as the current best in the world and already perhaps among the greats.
“I’m looking at Klopp v Guardiola, and I can see so many similarities with Ferguson and Wenger… without the naked hostility of course!
“Management is about systems, tactical knowledge, technical expertise, yes.
“But it’s also about motivation and inspiration, the man-management side of it is still so important.
“Both have it but Klopp is a master just as Ferguson was in my day.
“Guardiola is slightly more Wenger. Don’t get me wrong, Klopp and Ferguson are and were great tacticians.
“No way could you win what they have without having that technical side. I think both are underrated in that respect, despite their huge reputations generally.
“But Guardiola is almost clinical in his thinking, so defined in his approach that sometimes he can appear to lack the human side. I don’t doubt the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic believe that, and many other players too.”