Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is full of praise for his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola

There will be very little doubt if one says Pep Guardiola is the best manager of this generation. Obviously, the likes of Jose Mourinho and Zidane come close, but Pep is Pep. Having said that, seldom come managers who oversee change of the highest order with a tight pocket, and instill a culture that will become a club’s identity for the rest of its existence. Jurgen Klopp has done precisely that at Liverpool. Klopp alongside Pep, will go down as one of the best coaches, not only in the league’s history, but generally as well.

Klopp and Guardiola have faced each other 29 times. That is in fact, the most number of times the German has faced a coach in his career. 12 wins, 6 draws and 11 losses before the grand showdown on Sunday. A little bit of an edge, that. This weekend will mark the final episode of the saga. It is potentially the last time these colossi of managers go head to head at the biggest of stages as the former Dortmund man shall step down from his current role. Speaking of Guardiola, here is what Klopp had to say via ECHO:

“All the trophies he’s won but you see him on the side and it is like he has never won one before. The desire, I do the job myself so I see excellence when I face it. So many different things over the years he did with his teams, always possession-based but some times long balls, Ederson in years ago and then Augero waits and it is difficult to defend. So many different things over the years. How can I judge managers from the past? In my lifetime Pep is the outstanding manager.”

Guardiola’s passion for the game is infectious, and his commitment to his craft is unwavering. And for Klopp, facing off against Guardiola is always a challenge, a test of his own abilities as a manager.

Bromance in the rivalry!

Over the years, Klopp and Guardiola have engaged in a fierce rivalry, each pushing the other to new heights. Their clashes on the touchline have become the stuff of legend, a battle of wits and tactics that has captivated football fans around the world.

As they prepare to face off for the 30th time, Klopp can’t help but marvel at Guardiola’s ability to innovate and adapt. From possession-based football to quick counter-attacks, Guardiola’s teams are a testament to his tactical genius and his willingness to embrace new ideas.

Not that he is at the centre of it, but his achievements would’ve meant so much more if not for allegations of financial fraud. Nevertheless, football is played on the pitch and that is where Pep has left a lasting impact. Nobody can take that away from him.

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But win or lose, Klopp will always have the utmost respect for Guardiola and everything he has achieved in the game. And as they (potentially) bid farewell to their rivalry, Klopp will look back on their battles with fondness and gratitude, knowing that they have both played a part in shaping the landscape of modern football.