Jurgen Klopp’s ᴜnexpected announcement last Friday, геᴠеаling his decision to conclude his illustrious nine-year tenure with Liverpool in May, sent ꜱҺоϲkwaves through the global football community. Pep Guardiola, paying homage to his longtime adversary, expressed relief at the news, acknowledging Klopp’s role in pushing him to excel, first during their encounters with Bayern Munich and later with Manchester City. 

Guardiola admitted that facing Liverpool under Klopp’s management was challenging, even describing the days leading up to such matches as almost nightmarish. Ahead of City’s 1-0 victory over Spurs in the FA Cup fourth round, Guardiola shared his sentiments in a press conference, emphasizing the impact Klopp’s departure would have on the football landscape.

Guardiola further highlighted Klopp’s significant influence on their shared history, expressing his ꜱҺоϲk at the news and acknowledging that a part of Manchester City’s identity would be lost without the ongoing rivalry with Klopp’s Liverpool. Klopp boasts the best record against Guardiola among all managers, and Liverpool stands as the only team to disrupt Manchester City’s era of dominance between 2018 and 2023. 

They secured the Premier League title in 2020, ending a 30-year wait for an English league crown, and have consistently challenged City’s supremacy in various seasons. As City advances to the fifth round of the FA Cup, the spotlight turns to Klopp, who will face the Anfield crowd for the first time since his surprising announcement when Liverpool hosts Norwich in the FA Cup.