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Champions LeagueOctober 8, 2026

Jürgen Klopp maintains respect for Pep Guardiola after verdict

Jurgen Klopp reiterates his respect for Pep Guardiola despite shock verdict against Manchester City over financial breaches. The rivalry between Liverpool and City remains hugely important for Klopp.

Jürgen Klopp maintains respect for Pep Guardiola after verdict

Jürgen Klopp maintains respect for Pep Guardiola after verdict

According to Sports.

Background

Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, developed an intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola during his time at Anfield. Both coaches have achieved notable success in the Premier League, with Klopp leading Liverpool to the title in the 2019/20 season, while Guardiola took City to the top in multiple seasons.

Why this is important

The rivalry between Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola has shaped the Premier League in recent years. Klopp's respect for Guardiola, despite Manchester City's financial scandals, shows the sporting integrity that is valued in the league. This situation could also have an impact on the perception of fairness in Premier League football and influence the dynamic between the two clubs.

Key findings

  • Jürgen Klopp maintains respect for Pep Guardiola after verdict.
  • Jürgen Klopp reiterates his respect for Pep Guardiola despite shocking verdict against Manchester City for financial breaches.
  • Jurgen Klopp maintains Pep Guardiola respect after Man City guilty verdict - Yahoo Sports.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has reiterated his respect for Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City team, despite the Premier League's recent decision condemning the club for serious breaches of financial rules. During his time at Liverpool, Klopp was Guardiola's main rival, with both coaches fighting several exciting title battles. Liverpool finished second behind City in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons, while Klopp secured the Reds the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season. On Tuesday, the Premier League announced that an independent commission had found City guilty of all charges spanning nine seasons. The commission concluded that City used "fictitious" commercial arrangements to increase revenue and reduce costs. The commission also found that the club was guilty of failing to cooperate with the investigation in three out of four categories. Manchester City denies any wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision; the sanctions are still pending. Image He has now put Klopp's ironic comment that he would take part in a parade if Liverpool were subsequently awarded titles into perspective. "I also know what I said in the past about it and that I would be there at a parade. But it doesn't feel like that anymore," Klopp explained. He stressed that the commission's findings would not change his respect for Guardiola or the quality of the teams Liverpool played against during that period. “My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football that was played at City is far too great to say anything negative now,” said Klopp. The 59-year-old also made it clear that he doesn't need retrospective recognition to change Liverpool's fortunes during his nine-year spell in charge. Klopp led Liverpool to eight major titles, including the Premier League and Champions League, before leaving in 2024. He said he was "completely fine" with what Liverpool achieved and believes the rivalry should still be remembered for what happened on the pitch. The potential impact on historic titles is uncertain as the Commission has not yet imposed sanctions and City is preparing for a legal battle. Klopp appears willing to give the process time rather than speculate about possible penalties or what they mean for Liverpool. His immediate focus is currently on Germany, where he is looking for his first win since being appointed national coach in July. Germany face Serbia in the Nations League before heading to Greece for the final game of the international break.

What happens next

Manchester City plans to appeal against the Premier League's ruling, which could lead to a lengthy legal battle. The upcoming sanctions could have a significant impact on the structure and future of the club. For Klopp and Liverpool, the rivalry with City remains key, especially with a view to future Premier League title fights.

Frequently asked questions

What did Jürgen Klopp say about Pep Guardiola?

Jürgen Klopp has reiterated his respect for Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City team, despite the Premier League's recent ruling against the club.

Why were Manchester City condemned by the Premier League?

Manchester City have been convicted of serious breaches of financial rules, including the use of 'fictitious' commercial arrangements.

How has Liverpool performed compared to Manchester City in recent seasons?

Liverpool took second place in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons s finished second behind Manchester City and secured the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season.

What are Manchester City planning after the conviction?

Manchester City denies any wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision.

What did Klopp think about a possible parade for subsequently awarded titles?

Klopp qualified his ironic comment that he would take part in a parade if Liverpool were subsequently awarded titles, saying it doesn't feel like that anymore.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What did Jürgen Klopp say about Pep Guardiola?
Jurgen Klopp has reiterated his respect for Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side, despite the Premier League's recent ruling against the club.
Why were Manchester City condemned by the Premier League?
Manchester City have been convicted of serious breaches of financial rules, including the use of 'fictitious' commercial arrangements.
How has Liverpool performed compared to Manchester City in recent seasons?
Liverpool finished second behind Manchester City in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons and secured the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season.
What are Manchester City planning after the conviction?
Manchester City denies any wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision.
What did Klopp think about a possible parade for subsequently awarded titles?
Klopp qualified his ironic comment that he would take part in a parade if Liverpool were subsequently awarded titles, saying it no longer feels like that.
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