Before tonight's clash, Klopp says Guardiola is the best manager
Liverpool and Manchester City meet tonight at Anfield in a highly awaited encounter of this season. Both teams sit atop the Premier League table with 19 points each and will be eager to take a lead over the other tonight. Before the clash, Jurgen Klopp hailed City gaffer Pep Guardiola as the best football manager in the world. Details follow.
What were Klopp's comments on Guardiola?
Jurgen Klopp stated that, according to him, Pep Guardiola is currently the best manager in the world. Klopp also said that he finds the way City play, very exciting and loves competing against such opponents. "I've said it a few times, that if we couldn't be champions last season then Manchester City are very welcome", he recounted ahead of the match.
Klopp has a great record against Guardiola
Though he has praised Guardiola, Klopp has the best record against the City manager among all of their peers. Klopp has won seven matches against the Barcelona legend, winning both the legs in the Champions League quarter-finals last season. Even the last match in Germany, when these two met, saw Klopp emerging victorious as Dortmund defeated Bayern in the German Super Cup semis.
Klopp's comments on his relationship with Pep
Regarding the personal relationship he shares with Guardiola, Klopp commented, "I have a really good relationship with Pep. A few times before these games, you say a few things and then realize obviously it could have been misunderstood, but then it's really important to say I really like and respect Pep and his staff." Klopp added that winning against such a team is sweeter.