Liverpool opinion: Raheem Sterling’s Liverpool joke shows how much we are under Manchester City’s skin

Raheem Sterling was criticised by many former Liverpool players for his behaviour and the manner in which he left the Reds to join Manchester City in 2015 (h/t BBC).

The BBC adds that the English youngster rejected a £100,000-a-week deal from the Reds before joining the Cityzens.

The move seems to have worked out for him as the former QPR youngster has won several trophies at City while we haven’t picked up any silverware in years.

However, things are looking up for us under Jurgen Klopp, and despite three final defeats in as many seasons, we are in the race for the Champions League and the Premier League.

The Champions League won’t be easy as we face Barcelona in the semis while Manchester City lead the Premier League by one point.

Sterling has gone from strength to strength in recent seasons and was included in the PFA Team of the Year. The 24-year-old attacker was speaking at the BT Sport Industry Awards, where he was awarded for his fight against racism.

The former Red joked that no one wants Liverpool to win the title (h/t Metro):

“Any little slip and you’ve got the Liverpool guys who could go top [of the table]. You don’t want that. “I don’t want that. I don’t think anybody wants that. So you try to do your best to make sure you win the game.”

These comments might have gotten a few laughs on the night but this also shows how much Liverpool are under Manchester City’s skin and on their minds.

A close race for the Premier League crown

Manchester City lead the table by 89 points, and normally, you would expect them to have wrapped up the title with three games to go.

However, that is not the case as a rampant Liverpool lie just one point behind them waiting, lurking, and hoping for a mistake.

City don’t have an easy tie at the weekend as they face a physical Burnley. The Clarets aren’t assured of safety yet and have been difficult opposition for most big teams thanks to their physical nature.

Sean Dyche’s men also took points off City last season, however, both meetings this season have ended up as hammering for the Clarets.

City were in cruise control against Manchester United but it would not be the same against Burnley. Liverpool can play on their minds, even more, should we win the clash against Huddersfield on Friday.

The Reds need to win their games to keep City under pressure. Leicester City and Brighton being their final two games of the Premier League won’t be easy either.

Brendan Rodgers could do us a favour as his Liverpool were beaten by City to the Premier League crown a few years ago.

Fernandinho recently spoke about how City clawed the gap that Liverpool held earlier in the season (h/t Independent).

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Liverpool are the ones doing the chasing now, and with three games to go, it could be City that cracks as they keep seeing the rampant Reds in their rearview mirrors.