Manchester City prepare to give Liverpool a guard of honour, but it's not always a treat for the players - in pictures
The traditional salute can come at an awkward time for the stars and the fans
July 2, 2020
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool stars will receive a guard of honour from Manchester City players at the Etihad on Thursday night.
It's a Premier League tradition for opponents to form the guard for the latest champions as they walk on to the pitch.
But it is not something the players always relish.
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One of the most famous in Premier League history was when Arsenal agreed to give United a guard of honour after they strolled to the title in 2012/13.
It was a painful experience for Arsenal players and particularly their fans as striker Robin van Persie walked out in the United kit, having controversially moved to Old Trafford from the Gunners the previous summer.
Liverpool gave Chelsea a guard of honour in 2015 at Stamford Bridge, while Leicester and Claudio Ranieri marked their Premier League success a year later, with the Chelsea team and coaches forming two lines to clap the champions on to the pitch.
Klopp, meanwhile, expects Liverpool to face a stern challenge for their Premier League title from Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea next season.
They clinched the trophy with seven games to spare after moving 23 points clear of second-placed City ahead of the meeting between the sides.
City set a Premier League record with 100 points when they cantered to the title two years ago, while last season Pep Guardiola's team pipped Liverpool to the silverware on the last day.
As Klopp prepares for City to give Liverpool a guard of honour at the Etihad Stadium, he said the result of their latest clash would not be a marker for next season.
"Whatever people say, it will not be important for next season because for sure we [Liverpool and City] both have to be ready," Klopp said.
"We see United coming up. People thought they had no chance but we see with one or two players how good they are and how good they can be, and for sure they will not be worse next season, and now there is Chelsea as well."
Updated: July 2, 2020 03:31 PM
