Former Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal identifies Pep Guardiola's 'weakness' and slams Man City defence

The Spanish boss may have made history with his 100 point season last year, but his defensive style of play does not impress Van Gaal.

Defending champions City only trail Liverpool by four points, but they have conceded seven more goals than them thus far.

Former United manager Van Gaal believes there is an obvious reason for this and didn't hold back in his criticism of the likes of Vincent Kompany, Kyle Walker and John Stones when speaking to The Mirror.

He said: "The highest quality players are at City. But, at the same time, that is the weakness in Guardiola.

"He only coaches in teams in an attacking way. Always. The moment his team have to defend, they look terrible."

The ex-Old Trafford boss is backing Jurgen Klopp's to lift the trophy this season, as he believes they're an all-round better team.

Van Gaal said:  "Liverpool have a team that can defend much better. That's because Klopp has trained them to be a fighting force, whether they have the ball or not.

"That's exactly what is lacking in Guardiola's team now. City have fabulous ideas and a sparkling way of playing- but not the right fighting spirit.

"Don't get me wrong, I still love to watch the way City play. But the way Klopp makes Liverpool play is absolutely fantastic."

Guardiola's side ruined Liverpool's perfect start to the season when they beat them 2-1 at the Etihad earlier this week.

The result was revenge for City, who had suffered the same fate at the hands of Liverpool in January last year.

Guardiola reignited the Premier League title race after overcoming the leaders in the pulsating encounter, but he was lucky not to have been sent to the stands.

The City boss furiously let rip at the fourth official, as he was felt referee Anthony Taylor had failed to spot a foul in the lead-up to Liverpool's attack that almost resulted in Mo Salah equalising.

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