Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have been swapping pleasantries in recent times, with Guardiola admitting that Liverpool is his “toughest rival” ever. When approached with the remark, Klopp returned in like, saying that Liverpool and City drive each other to “crazy extremes” every year.
With both clubs’ level on points on Saturday, Liverpool moved by three points of City, but the Blues thrashed Manchester United to restore the margin despite having played one more game. When asked about the championship battle after that win, Guardiola chose to applaud Liverpool instead.
“I could say City are the toughest opponent I ever had, but Pep at Bayern wasn’t easy either. But I know what he means. We pushed each other on insane levels in the last few years.” Klopp replied when asked to react to Pep’s praise as reported by Football Daily.
Klopp and Guardiola share an interesting rapport. The two are frequently praising one other and barely mention anything unfavourable about the other’s side. It’s a pleasant contrast from the constant jabs other managers throw at each other, but it’s unusual to witness for probably the two finest teams in the world. Klopp lauded Manchester City and Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea team again in an Inter Milan news conference, according to Football Daily.
