Manchester City's Pep Guardiola believes that Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp has made him a "better manager" and he has complimented the German ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown between the two clubs.
The ever-growing rivalry between Guardiola and Klopp stretches across a 10-and-a-half-year period during which the former has taken charge of both Man City and Bayern Munich, while the latter has managed both Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund.
Guardiola and Klopp have faced each other a total of 28 times, more than they have taken on any other coach across their respective careers, and they have both beaten each other more than any other manager, with the latter winning 11 times compared to the former's 10 victories.
Since Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2016, there have been a plethora of memorable battles between Man City and Liverpool, the two most dominant English clubs on both the domestic and continental stages in recent years.
Although Liverpool have only won one Premier League title during this period and endured a below-par season in 2022-23, the Reds have rebuilt and look set to challenge Man City – who have won five of the last six top-flight titles – once again this term, with Klopp's side sitting in second place and just one point behind Guardiola's men at the summit after 12 games.
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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola has discussed his relationship with Klopp and has heaped praise on the German's impact at Liverpool.
"I think we are all friends," said the Catalan boss. "We know each other quite well. Of course, the time goes forward Jurgen has been eight years at Liverpool and of course it's not the same players since the start. He has rebuilt the team.
"Trent Alexander-Arnold can play inside and outside. But the idea is quite similar and always been our best rivals some seasons done well with injuries they have. Top club and team. Looking forward to it."
Asked if Klopp has pushed him to become a better manager, Guardiola said: "Absolutely, he made me better, part of when you are many years in this business, him and his teams, here and Borussia Dortmund always been big rivals, good games for both, positive approach and always attractive.
"He made me a better manager through his teams, and of course the way we play is good with the transitions, the runs, they are a fantastic team, a top side, no doubt."
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Discussing the importance of Saturday's contest for Man City, Guardiola added: "With our people, we have to impose our game knowing how difficult it is [against Liverpool] at home and especially away.
"Of course, we have already played 11 or 12 tough games honestly I could not expect to be in that position at the begin of the season.
"The top five teams are so tight. We are there and it's an important game and Spurs next week and Aston Villa away.
"December is so tight. We have the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. January is more relaxed. The positive energy we have for the next moment."
Man City, who could have Erling Haaland available for selection on Sunday, have locked horns with Liverpool on 14 occasions in the top flight with Guardiola at the helm, with the Citizens winning five and the Reds winning four, while the other five have ended as draws.
Oliver Thomas
