Millennium Milestone: Pep Guardiola Reflects on Rivalry with Jurgen Klopp
Pep Guardiola acknowledges he misses Jurgen Klopp as he approaches the 1,000th game of his managerial career. The Manchester City manager will mark this personal milestone facing Liverpool, Klopp's former club, in a Premier League clash on Sunday.
Significance of Liverpool as Opponent
Guardiola believes no opponent could be more appropriate for this landmark game than Liverpool, the reigning champions. Their rivalry, particularly during Klopp's tenure at Anfield, stands out as one of the defining chapters in Guardiola's esteemed career.
Career Highlights and Rivalry
Throughout his career, Guardiola has enjoyed successful spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City, accruing multiple titles. He described his competition with Klopp as among the most memorable:
“If I were to choose one rival for this personal milestone, that I want to share with many people, they would be the best.”
He added,
“Liverpool, especially with Jurgen, have been the biggest rivals in this country and it could not be better, to be honest. So destiny decided that and it’s nice to live it.”
Mutual Respect Between Managers
Guardiola emphasized the mutual respect between them:
“In terms of Jurgen’s side or Pep’s side, I think we respected each other. I had the feeling that Jurgen gave me a lot and I miss him.”
“He gave me a lot in sense of, to beat that guy, how much I have to think and work and do it, to make it better.”
Guardiola’s Reflection on His Career Path
- Guardiola has spent a significant part of his career in England, surpassing his time in previous roles.
- He acknowledges Barcelona’s foundational impact on his life and career as player and coach.
- Bayern Munich represented an important step in his managerial progression.
Now, with a trophy-laden nine-year tenure at Manchester City, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League win, Guardiola values the challenge Klopp presented.
Author’s summary: Pep Guardiola cherishes his rivalry with Jurgen Klopp, crediting it for pushing him to improve as he nears his 1,000th managerial game, which notably features Liverpool as his opponent.