Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been accused of using mind games ahead of Sunday's clash against Liverpool.
The Spanish coach claimed this week that the title race will be over if Liverpool beat City at Anfield on Sunday.
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The Reds currently sit eight points the defending Premier League champions, but former Liverpool winger feels the City coach is being strategic with his comments.
"Pep's just playing a strategic game," Babel told Instant Casino.
"He knows he has to put the pressure on Liverpool, and then you will see City giving twice as much gas to try and beat them.
"Pep is not a person who gives up that easily.
"It will just be a strategic chess move for him, and by making those comments, he knows that he will not get all the questions about the title race anymore if he does lose it, so then he can focus in peace to try and come back and compete.
"He wants to put all the pressure on Liverpool. It's just a game, it won't decide who wins the Premier League title, but of course, if Liverpool win then it will definitely deliver City a significant knock."