Guardiola: Salah, Mane, Firmino 'almost unstoppable'

Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg clash, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has described Liverpool’s front-three as “almost unstoppable.”

The only venue where City has tasted defeat in the Premier League this season, Anfield plays host to a tilt between England’s two remaining clubs in Europe’s marquee contest, and Guardiola is full of praise for Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane.

“Not just (Salah), Mane and Firmino, all three, they are almost unstoppable. They are fantastic, fantastic players,” Guardiola said following Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Everton, per ESPN FC’s Jonathan Smith.

“The way Liverpool plays is so complicated for us. We know that. They are so quick, they are so good and it is tough, but it is (the) quarterfinal of Champions League so we cannot expect, in that level, something is going to be easy.”

The triumvirate was at its best during the January win over the runaway league leader, exchanging goals during a nine-minute second-half spell of relentless pressure and probing attacks.

The three players have combined for 73 goals and 28 assists in all competitions, but Guardiola insists the high-scoring trio isn’t the only obstacle his team faces in reaching a second Champions League semi-final in three years.

“We play against ourselves and say ‘that is the target, we have to overcome.’ We will be able or not able to overcome that. If we are able, okay, semi-finals,” Guardiola added. “If we are not able, congratulations Liverpool and next season we will be back stronger but we are going to try.”