Kostas Tsimikas returned to Liverpool earlier than other national team players this week. The Greek did not play against France, and instead chose to travel to Merseyside to be 100% ready for Saturday’s match.

It’s not certain that the left-back will get that opportunity, as Joe Gomez, who should also be injury-free, may also be preferred due to his defensive qualities.

Starting spot or not, either way Tsimikas is more than ready to meet the series leaders.

– They are very, very good at home, but we are Liverpool. We want to go there to play our football, give everything and win the game. I think the only thing that matters in a game like this is getting the three points. We’ll try it, he told liverpoolfc.com.

Tsimikas and the Liverpool squad know what awaits at the Etihad. In April, the Reds recorded a solid record, losing 4-1 against the Light Blues after goals from Julian Alvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish. Mohamed Salah scores Liverpool’s goal.

– Everyone knows that we are facing a very good team. They have always been there, winning the Premier League, Champions League and achieving the Treble last year. We have to see it as a final, because in my opinion it is a meeting of the two best teams in the world.

Before Saturday’s early games, Manchester City were top of the table, with Liverpool and Arsenal a point behind. Tottenham and Aston Villa followed closely behind. Therefore, he is currently at the top evenly.

– Both teams need three points in this match, and if we are 100% focused and ready to give everything, we can win. Now it’s just a matter of building momentum again, and we’re also in good shape. Once again, we have to play our football, give everything and we’ll see what happens after the game.

Pay respects to the attacking players

Liverpool’s attacking formation returns with high confidence after the national team break. Mohamed Salah scored four goals and Darwin Nunez three. Luis Diaz decided the game alone against Brazil with two goals, and Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota also provided goal points for their national teams.

Tsimikas is very happy to have Salah and Nunez, Liverpool’s mainstay duo at the top of the standings, in the same team as him.

– That is his job (Nunez). He has to score and the team has to win. Apart from Mo (Salah), they also have to accompany Lucho (Luis Diaz) too. They are all very, very good players.

In such top matches, it is often chance and individual brilliance that determines the outcome of the match. Both Liverpool and City have several players in that category, which could be an advantage for the away side in these types of games.

– It is very important for a team to have such players to win football matches. “I believe and hope they will score more goals in the future and we will eventually achieve our goal,” concluded the Greek.

Manchester City – Liverpool kicks off on Saturday at 13.30. This match was broadcast live on V Sport PL.