‘If I were to choose one rival for this personal milestone’ – Millennium man Pep Guardiola admits he misses Jurgen Klopp

Millennium Manager Pep Guardiola Reflects on Jurgen Klopp Rivalry

Pep Guardiola admits he misses Jurgen Klopp as he approaches the 1,000th game of his managerial career. The Manchester City manager considers Liverpool, Klopp’s former club, the most fitting opponent for this milestone, especially with the reigning champions visiting on Sunday in the Premier League.

Career Highlights and Rivalries

Guardiola fondly remembers his intense title battles with Klopp before the German left Liverpool last year. These encounters stand out in a career that has already seen success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and a trophy-rich nine years at Manchester City.

Guardiola on Klopp and Liverpool

“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 emphasized the importance of Liverpool as a rival in England:

“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 and Inspiration

Guardiola feels mutual respect existed between him and Klopp and admits he misses the challenge Klopp brought:

“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.”
Summary

Pep Guardiola cherishes his rivalry with Jurgen Klopp, seeing it as a defining and inspiring part of his distinguished managerial journey.

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Independent.ie Independent.ie — 2025-11-07

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