Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola namedrops Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp his biggest rival

Pep Guardiola has spoken graciously of his ‘great clashes’ with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during their time in the Premier League. The city manager feels he learned a lot playing against Klopp.

The duo, Manchester City and Liverpool, have clinched the last six titles between them and remain contenders this year, alongside Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, with coaches from both clubs setting high standards for what it takes to become English champions.

Even in seasons where Liverpool amassed 97 and 92 points in 2018/19 and 2021/22 respectively, they narrowly finished second, trailing Guardiola’s team by a single point on both occasions. However, four years earlier, Manchester City had no response to Liverpool’s impressive 99-point total.

Speaking on TNT Sports (h/t Euro Sport), the Man City manager said:

“When I leave here, always I will remember the biggest rival and the incredible battles we had between each other.”

“The five Premier Leagues that we won in the past six years, we were battling this unbelievable football club, an incredible manager and his incredible players. I will never forget those battles, never ever in my life.”

“They have been my biggest rival in all my career. Everybody knows that Klopp and Liverpool made me a better manager. There is no doubt about that.”

Guardiola expressed that he will always cherish the coaching battles he has engaged in with Klopp over the years, both during their encounters at Liverpool and when he was managing Bayern Munich, facing Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund sides.

Klopp announced in January that he would be departing from his managerial role at the end of the season, marking the conclusion of his nine-year tenure at Anfield.

The absence of Klopp and Guardiola facing off as managers of their respective clubs marks the end of an era in English football. Their memorable encounters in Liverpool vs. Manchester City matches have left an indelible mark on fans and the sport alike, producing unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.

Guardiola’s admiration for Klopp is evident in his comments, showcasing a deep respect for the German manager’s contributions to the Premier League, particularly in challenging for titles at the Etihad. As Klopp prepares to depart from Anfield next month, there’s a sense that he aims to leave a lasting impact and perhaps tip the balance further in Liverpool’s favor before his departure.

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Liverpool currently occupies second place in the Premier League table, sharing their 71-point total with league leaders Arsenal. They hold a narrow one-point lead over Manchester City, who sit in third place in the standings.