Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has called Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp the biggest managerial adversary of his career.
The Reds visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime for the latest instalment of a classic rivalry that has so often gone a long way to deciding the destination of the Premier League title.
City go into the game one point ahead of Klopp’s side, who look their most realistic title challengers, even if Guardiola says Arsenal and Tottenham are also in the race.
Guardiola has had some battles over the years, notably with Jose Mourinho, but says Klopp has made him a better manager.
Asked if the German was his biggest rival, he said: “Yes, by far. Because we have faced each other a thousand million times.
“Absolutely, he made me better, he helped me reflect on a lot of things with the problems they have created for us, it’s part of when you are many years in this business, him and his teams, here and Dortmund have always been big rivals, good games for both, both teams have a positive approach to the games and always attractive.
“I’m pretty sure he made me a better manager through his teams, and of course, the way we play for them is good with the transitions, they have a lot of space in behind, they are fantastic with the runs, they are a fantastic team, fantastic legs, a top side, no doubt.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta of Arsenal
After a poor season last year, where they missed out on Champions League qualification, Klopp’s side look back to their best and are clear challengers for the title.
“Absolutely,” Guardiola said. “Arsenal will be too, I see them as so, so solid. Spurs even, the two defeats they had lately, the feeling when I see the way they are playing and with one game a week, I think they will be there.
“Chelsea start to recover and have one game a week. I think the four or five contenders are there. I don’t know if Newcastle will join, maybe United will join us but many things can happen.”
Huhcemyz
0
no big teams want a coach who can't afford them trophies, Poor Klopp
So are you implying that city is a bigger club than Liverpool??
Tamson01
1
Oh yes Klopp must be his biggest rival because they have similar or the same style of play, never sit back to wait for the opponent, they go toe to toe, and the same fitness level. So no doubt Klopp is his biggest rival.
their style of play are different bro KLOOP play GIGAN PRESS while PEP play TIKI TAKA🤸
nellomcfc
0
We had it all from an average manager who is only successful because of the big budget, facing one of the best manager of all time who is successful with an average clubs and players. He turned average players to world class.
no big teams want a coach who can't afford them trophies, Poor Klopp
Kwocodile
0
Klopp will never manage a club like Barcelona, Bayern and City, small coaches manage small clubs with lack of tactics, no big clubs can entrust Klopp with it resources, him buying a striker (Nunez) for about £90m who have totally failed in liverpool shirt speak of a volume
It's funny how 2/3 club you mentioned are fighting court cases right now for either bribery or a 115 finically breaches
igunnu
0
Klopp will never manage a club like Barcelona, Bayern and City, small coaches manage small clubs with lack of tactics, no big clubs can entrust Klopp with it resources, him buying a striker (Nunez) for about £90m who have totally failed in liverpool shirt speak of a volume
You are really dumb…Any top team in Europe will jump at the chance of Klopp managing their team. And how can you call Nunes a flop…you certainly are dumb
nellomcfc
1
It's not about having the same money as shitty it's about the integrity of the team and club you manage. That's why it was Liverpool, shitty remind me of a crime syndicate. Klopp likes to keep his hands clean so will reject filth.
Klopp will never manage a club like Barcelona, Bayern and City, small coaches manage small clubs with lack of tactics, no big clubs can entrust Klopp with it resources, him buying a striker (Nunez) for about £90m who have totally failed in liverpool shirt speak of a volume
besacelmpy
0
why can't Klopp sign for big clubs and become Successful as well? poor people hardly appreciate great men
It's not about having the same money as shitty it's about the integrity of the team and club you manage. That's why it was Liverpool, shitty remind me of a crime syndicate. Klopp likes to keep his hands clean so will reject filth.
hoaeilmt
1
Oh yes Klopp must be his biggest rival because they have similar or the same style of play, never sit back to wait for the opponent, they go toe to toe, and the same fitness level. So no doubt Klopp is his biggest rival.
ManCityFanForever
1
Possession vs Attack
Kaucdilsty
2
Dude have doubts over United?
nellomcfc
2
We had it all from an average manager who is only successful because of the big budget, facing one of the best manager of all time who is successful with an average clubs and players. He turned average players to world class.
why can't Klopp sign for big clubs and become Successful as well? poor people hardly appreciate great men
yatbekmrs
4
We had it all from an average manager who is only successful because of the big budget, facing one of the best manager of all time who is successful with an average clubs and players. He turned average players to world class.
bubbilopuz
2
been telling all the haters,well yall hear pep saying it for the humpteenth time,all wen arsenal was leading last season and liverpool wasn't playing wel,pep still feared klopp and liverpool because he was confident that he wolud have caught arsenal..but as long as liverpool is around pep never sits easy
Wagnewt
0
I love their playing style, both created lovely football playing teams.
Mikel-ARTETA
3
pep is a bad Man 😂😂😂...is in total control