Guardiola ‘proves class with Jurgen Klopp comments’ after new backlash
Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola were once fierce rivals on the touchline.
The two managers fought tooth and nail through the years, with the Reds beating the Citizens to the Premier League title in the 2019/20 campaign after missing out by a single point previously.
City would then pip the Anfield outfit to the post by a single point once again, and Klopp would not win another title before his departure in 2024.
The two had a fractious relationship at times, but were also aligned on several issues and were ultimately friends.
Guardiola defends Klopp amid Club World Cup controversy
Liverpool are not playing at the Club World Cup, but Klopp has still found himself dragged into controversy.
The ex-Reds boss constantly spoke out in favour of player welfare in his stint on Merseyside, and he has continued the fight after his departure.
Klopp labelled the competition as the “worst idea ever implemented in football” in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
Those comments were met with backlash, particularly from Sky Sports presenter Kaveh Solhekol, who said (28 June): “Not everybody agrees with Jurgen Klopp and the other thing I would say to Jurgen Klopp is if you don’t like the Club World Cup, don’t watch it.
“Everybody can do what they want, you can play padel, go for a swim, you can watch something else on TV, maybe watch Netflix, go for a walk, or go for a nice meal.
“If you don’t want to watch Chelsea v Benfica, don’t watch it, it is a free world.”
However, his former title rival Guardiola has defended Klopp ahead of his tie with Al-Hilal, saying: “I fought a lot with Jurgen many, many times. I know where his idea comes from.
“I respect him, I would defend his argument as well. At the same time, as managers, we are in a job. We don’t organise the competitions.”
Guardiola shows class with Klopp defence
Klopp has been proven to be on the right side on the debate many times, with his comments on 12:30 kick-offs and the Qatar World Cup.
Guardiola’s defence puts him on the right side of history once again, and it is refreshing to see the City manager agree with the ex-Reds boss’ perspective.
To be fair to Guardiola, he missed Rodri for the majority of last season with an ACL injury, so he is more invested than most when it comes to avoiding injuries for players.
The two battled many times, and Klopp may have won more if Fenway Sports Group had given him the kind of backing that Arne Slot is currently receiving, with three transfers already completed for a total pushing towards £200million.
However, it is nice to see that a level of respect remains between the duo, even after so many bitter fights over the years.
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