Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says that Liverpool will still be “contenders” for the Premier League title next campaign.

However, when asked whether life would be easier for him without Jurgen Klopp in the Reds’ dugout, he did suggest that Arsenal may emerge as City’s perennial challengers instead:

“I would like to know but I don’t think so. Liverpool have always been Liverpool and the contenders are there. Arsenal is already there, last season they were our biggest rivals. Look how they play. Liverpool need more than 90 minutes to win the game, sometimes more; Arsenal sometimes need just 25 minutes to win the games. That’s why they are there.”

“I guess Tottenham will make a step forward and United and Newcastle will maybe be back having one game a week. It’s next season and I don’t have the ability to think about what is going to happen next.”

Liverpool need to get their next appointment right

It’s clear that Guardiola is going nowhere so the standards to win the league title will be higher than ever next season.

While it will be impossible to appoint a manager of the same standard as Klopp, Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group must find someone who can carry on from where the current manager has left off. It is a crucial decision they must get correct.

It won’t be a poisoned chalice for Klopp’s successor

Many have said that they don’t envy the manager who walks in the door after the German leaves but, unlike at Manchester United and Arsenal, where Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger left ageing or under-strength squads behind, Klopp can hand over a fresh, hungry group of players.

Whether that will be enough to mount a title challenge with Guardiola still in charge of City, though, it remains to be seen.