Pep Guardiola has hailed Jurgen Klopp as an inspiration behind Manchester City regaining the title - and believes "unlucky" Liverpool will be contenders again next season.
City won their third title in four years under Guardiola after second-placed Manchester United slumped to a 2-1 home reverse to Leicester City on Tuesday.
Liverpool have been the only team during that period to seriously challenge City's dominance, finishing a point behind in 2018/19 and winning the championship last year. And Guardiola has thanked both Reds boss Klopp and Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti for sending text messages of congratulations.
"I appreciate a lot him and Carlo Ancelotti have done it, so I appreciate it a lot from both of them," said Guardiola on Thursday.
"I couldn't answer messages, not yet, but I will do today. I admire both of them, of course.
"He (Jurgen) was an inspiration for me. He made me, through his teams at Dortmund and Liverpool, a better manager.
Video: Liverpool need to improve in bid for top-four finish, says Klopp (Evening Standard)
Liverpool need to improve in bid for top-four finish, says Klopp
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"He made me think a lot about the opponents and everything. Thank you so much. I appreciate it a lot from him and Carlo."
Liverpool stand 23 points behind City and are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification after a difficult season in which they have been hampered by a succession of serious injuries.
And Guardiola admits he expects Klopp's side to return to being the title contenders of the previous two campaigns.
"Last year we could not compete against Liverpool as they were unstoppable, but we were second," he said. "We were there.
"The target next season will be the same - to be close to the top. Every season I have a feeling that when new managers arrive, after the first season the managers are stronger.
"Every year, United is stronger. Liverpool will be back like previous seasons, they have been unlucky with many injuries in the same position.
"Chelsea and Leicester always there. I know Mikel (Arteta) well and Arsenal will make a step forward next season."