Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola meet for, probably, the last time in the Premier League on Sunday and the Liverpool boss hopes their respectful relationship remains intact after the clash with Manchester City.
The two managers have become Premier League icons during their time in England, but Klopp’s is coming to an end soon as he is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
One of the biggest matches he has still to face as Reds boss comes on Sunday afternoon when they host the champions in a huge contest in the Premier League title race.
The German has nothing but praise for the Spaniard and hopes that they can still get on, whatever happens on Sunday.
In his programme notes before the blockbuster contest, Klopp wrote: ‘One of the starting points for this is respecting the opposition, something that is not too difficult when the opposition is a City team which has been incredibly successful under Pep Guardiola, a manager who I could not have more respect for and someone who I believe is already a legend of our game, even though he still has so many years ahead of him.
‘I have spoken many times of my admiration for Pep. I understand that this is not always easy to understand for those who want to see only a rivalry, but I can speak only as I find and in Pep’s case I am more than able to put aside the fact that we are on opposite sides and recognise how much he has brought not just to City but to football as a whole.
The good news is that up to now we have been able to be respectful at the same time as being competitive.
‘It goes without saying that today he will want to win, and I will want to win just as much, but when the final whistle goes, I hope that we will once again be able to share a handshake and move on whatever the result may be.’
Arsenal went top of the Premier League table on Saturday after their 2-1 win over Brentford, but if there is a winner at Anfield on Sunday they will usurp the Gunners.
However, Mikel Areta’s side will be hoping for a draw, which would see Liverpool go level on points with them but remain behind on goal difference, with Manchester City a point adrift.
