Klopp On Guardiola: “He’s The Best In The World, But I Would’ve Loved A 4-Year Sabbatical!”

Liverpool vs Man City | Rivalry Beyond The Pitch

As Liverpool prepared to face Manchester City once again, Jurgen Klopp opened up about his longtime Premier League rival, Pep Guardiola, with a blend of honesty, humor, and deep respect.

Klopp, who has shared many fierce title races with the Spaniard, admitted that while the rivalry has pushed both managers to their limits, he wouldn’t mind a little break from Guardiola’s brilliance.

“I’d prefer Pep took a sabbatical for four years. 100 percent!” Klopp joked in his presser. “Actually, I wish he had done that in the past four years too!”

Guardiola has dominated English football in recent years, winning four of the last five Premier League titles, two of them narrowly snatched from Liverpool on the final day by just a single point.

Will He Miss Pep? Klopp Answers

When asked if he’d miss the rivalry once it’s over, Klopp was characteristically candid:

“No! He once told me that when we’re both no longer managing, we can sit down for a glass of wine — though I’m not a big wine drinker. Still, I’d visit him, we could talk, no problem.”

Despite not being close friends off the pitch, Klopp emphasized the mutual respect between them.

“We’re not Nadal and Federer — best friends competing at the highest level — but there’s huge respect. We don’t need to be disrespectful to have a proper rivalry.”

Klopp’s Ultimate Praise

Klopp didn’t shy away from recognizing Guardiola’s relentless hunger for success.

“What Pep is doing is absolutely outstanding — the way he plays, how long he’s done it, and how he never stops. He wants to win desperately. Each game is a must-win. It’s really special.”