Just before Sunday’s all crucial fixture, Jurgen Klopp has showered his rival Pep Guardiola in high praises. The German has called his Spanish compatriot Pep Guardiola the best manager in the world.
Not sure many Reds fans would agree with that one, though. The Gaffer’s comments came after Pep Guardiola jokingly admitted to overthinking allegations in the Champions League.
Klopp defends Pep Guardiola in the press
Guardiola commented that the solution to his overthinking might be to just ‘play with 12 players.’ This comes as City have blown away their huge lead in the league over Liverpool from the start of the year.
Jurgen Klopp when asked about Guardiola’s comments, he went onto explain what Pep actually meant. Read what the German said below.
“It was ironic! I saw there was a story in Ecuador this week which claimed I didn’t understand Luis Diaz. You[journalists] have a responsibility on this planet.
Klopp has previously said the pair have a ‘respectful relationship’
If you want to talk to us then please do us a favour and help us. Pep said ironically, ‘I overthink, and I like overthinking’.”
Not only this, the German then went onto claim Guardiola is the best manager in the world.
“Pep is the best coach in the world. I think we would all agree on that and it might be a coincidence that it didn’t work out in the Champions League so far. If anybody doubts him, I have no idea how that could happen.”
The Bromance goes both ways, as well. Pep has several times termed Klopp’s Liverpool as the toughest team he’s ever encountered.
Guardiola says Klopp makes world football a ‘better place’
When asked about he thinks of Klopp’s comments, Pep denied that he thinks he’s the best. He further said he’d love to have a drink with the German if City won the game, jokingly.
“Jurgen makes world football a better place to live. His message, he is a huge competitor.”
Over the likes of SAF’s Man United, Jose’s Madrid and Inter, and even Simeone’s Atleti. Needless to say, Klopp rightly deserves that praise. Out of all those managers, Klopp has the best record against Guardiola.
Many have termed this game as the biggest in recent English history and dubbed the English ‘El Clasico’.
The duo are evenly tied at 9 wins each and 4 draws out of their 22 encounters throughout the years. The game is setting up to be a potential title decider with Liverpool in red hot form currently.