Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claimed he would "sleep better" when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp departs and so far, his comments may not be entirely true.

The Spaniard is facing his toughest period as a manager with just one win in 12 matches, leaving the reigning champions seventh in the Premier League and the challenge of overcoming a 12-point deficit to catch-up to leaders Liverpool.

Rodri's season-ending injury has been dubbed as one of the reasons behind the surprise slump in form, while key players continue to underperform including Erling Haaland - who was forced to relinquish his lead in the golden boot race following Mohamed Salah's brace on Sunday.

READ MORE: Man City have 115 charges problem in January transfer window after double call

READ MORE: Why Pep Guardiola isn't playing James McAtee and other Man City youngsters

With poor form comes scrutiny and many have discussed whether Guardiola could resign, despite signing a one-year extension earlier this season. It remains to be seen what the future holds at the Etihad for the Spaniard, but the focus will be on bouncing back from their latest disappointing defeat - a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa at the weekend - when they play Everton at home, on Boxing Day.

Across the M62 in January, there was the bombshell news that Liverpool would bid farewell to manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season.

Both the German and Guardiola locked into fierce battles during their time in the Bundesliga before reuniting in the Premier League where they faced off on all fronts with City earning the upper-hand in the Premier League title races before equalling the Champions League tally in 2021.

Speaking after Klopp's announcement, Guardiola said: "I will sleep better. The days before playing against Liverpool were almost a nightmare.

"Of course he will be missed. I was shocked, like everyone, to the news. I felt a part of Man City would be lost. We cannot define our period here together without him and Liverpool; it is impossible.

"They have been our biggest rival and personally he has been my biggest rival from when he was at [Borussia] Dortmund and I was at Bayern [Munich]. I think the Premier League is going to miss his charisma, personality and the way his teams play. I wish him all the best."

Klopp's emotional farewell came at the end of the season with a win over Wolves but for Guardiola, he may not be keen to say goodbye as they find themselves in the toughest period of his managerial career.