Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, expressed his surprise at Jurgen Klopp’s announcement to leave Liverpool at the end of the current season, acknowledging Klopp as his “biggest rival” in English football.
Guardiola lauded Klopp as an exceptional manager and person, recognizing the significant challenge Liverpool has posed to Manchester City in recent years.
After City’s 1-0 victory against Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round, Guardiola commended Klopp’s managerial prowess and expressed that with Klopp’s departure, a part of Manchester City’s competition also leaves. Despite not having a particularly close relationship, there is evident mutual respect between Guardiola and Klopp, with Guardiola empathizing with Klopp’s decision to step away from managing a high-profile club due to the demands and toll it takes over time.
While City has dominated the Premier League in recent seasons, Liverpool’s resurgence poses a threat to their reign, as the Reds currently sit five points clear of City with a game in hand. Guardiola expressed a mix of relief and respect with the prospect of not facing a Liverpool team under Klopp’s management, citing his competitive nature. Nevertheless, Guardiola wished Klopp the best and anticipates Klopp’s return to the sport despite Klopp not openly admitting to it.