Pep Guardiola does not begrudge Liverpool’s exorbitant summer spending – and claimed it is a direct consequence of Manchester City raising the bar to unforeseen levels last season.

Jurgen Klopp was previously strongly opposed to the money thrown around by title rivals but has been afforded £250million on new signings since January.

Those chasing City must lavish huge sums to catch up after Guardiola became the first manager to chalk up 100 points in a league campaign during their title procession.

Pep Guardiola refused to criticise Liverpool for their spending on transfers this summer

‘Every club does what they believe. I understand the money completely,’ Guardiola said ahead of the friendly against Liverpool in the early hours of tomorrow (THURS) morning.

‘I’m not concerned at what someone says one day (in the past). Liverpool believe they need these players and spend this money so I’m not judging what they’re doing.

‘If they decide that then it’s perfect for them. I don’t like when my colleagues talk about me.

‘We increased the level of the Premier League and that means the others ones want to do better and better. Always Liverpool is a contender with the history they have. We’ll see on the pitch.’

Alisson signed for £65million and the Reds have made a number of high profile additions

Guardiola, an overwhelming favourite to become the first manager to win consecutive titles in a decade, insisted City will not be as dominant.

‘We’re not going to break any more records – it’s impossible,’ he added. ‘When we come back from America we have four or five days and we'll see their faces.

‘The target is how to prepare to win the game, the records we took last season was a product of what we've done every single day.

‘If we start comparing positions in November or December, we'll lose everything we have done.’

Riyad Mahrez has signed for the champions but Guardiola warned of a tougher season to come

Guardiola committed to signing a fresh three-year contract in May. If he finishes that it will be the longest he’s ever managed a club.

Speaking for the first time about the decision, the Catalan said: ‘First of all I am comfortable, the second reason is the club trust what we are doing.

‘The club know it depends on results. They will dictate what will happen in the future. Football trainers always we are in a dangerous position.

‘My family is happy living in Manchester, my experiences of the Premier League are good. I have a young team and I am comfortable working with them. I’ll do my best to stay this time together.’