Jurgen Klopp expressed that Pep Guardiola felt a sense of sadness witnessing the departure of Liverpool, which he considered to be his most significant competitor.

Pep Guardiola, the esteemed manager of Manchester City, expressed his sadness upon hearing the news that his “biggest rival,” Jurgen Klopp, will be departing Liverpool at the end of the season. The football world was left stunned when Liverpool announced Klopp’s departure after an impressive nine-year tenure at the club.

Following Manchester City’s triumph over Tottenham in the FA Cup, Guardiola acknowledged that Klopp’s departure also signifies a part of Man City leaving, considering the intense battles they have had on the touchline while vying for the Premier League title.

When asked if he was surprised by the news, Guardiola responded, “A little bit. A little bit. He’s an absolutely incredible manager. He’s an incredible person as well. I had a feeling that at the end of the season when he is leaving, part of us, Man City, is leaving too. They have been our biggest rival, Liverpool, in these years. Personally, in Dortmund and here in England, he’s been my biggest rival, so he will be missed. Personally, I will miss him.”

Klopp, who arrived at Liverpool in 2015, made the decision to leave the club in the summer due to feeling “running out of energy.” Guardiola empathized with his German counterpart, admitting that he has experienced similar feelings in his own career. However, he emphasized that his work at Man City is not yet complete. “All the managers are feeling tired,” Guardiola stated. “All the years and many, many years in the same place. I understand completely. I felt that in Barcelona, so today when I listened to that, I understood completely. I’m fine. I want to do it still for one more year, and maybe extend my contract.”

While Guardiola will be saddened by Klopp’s departure, as they have engaged in some of the most thrilling title races the Premier League has witnessed, he also jokingly expressed relief at not having to face him anymore. “I’m really pleased because without him I will sleep a little bit better the nights before we play against Liverpool,” Guardiola quipped. “I wish him all the best.”

Furthermore, Guardiola predicted that Klopp’s absence will not be permanent, stating, “He will not admit it but he will be back. This personality, this energy, will be back. Football needs personalities and managers like him. I hope we can find time to have dinner together.”