‘Sorry Klopp, he’s here to stay’ – Man City fans react as Liverpool boss makes thoughts clear on Pep Guardiola quitting in summer

Jurgen Klopp jokes that he’d enjoy his job at Liverpool far more if Pep Guardiola was nowhere near the Etihad.

The two coaches have brought the best out of each other since Guardiola arrived in the Premier League in 2016, with two of the last four title races being decided by a single point.

Guardiola is in the final year of his contract at Manchester City with serious discussions yet to start over an extension.

Asked if he would like the rivalry to continue next season and beyond, Klopp said: “No, I would prefer Pep is doing a sabbatical for four years – 100 per cent!

“Actually, my preferred solution was that he’d had a sabbatical for the last four years! Honestly, it is a joke. Who told you that (Guardiola will leave)? I have no idea.

“I don’t know how often I have to say it, but he is the best manager in the world – and he is proving that every day. It’s special what City are doing, really special. And I respect that – but that’s it.”

On their personal relationship Klopp added: “I am not (Roger) Federer and Pep is not (Rafael) Nadal – they compete on the highest level and are best friends.

“Pep and I are not best friends because we don’t know each other but I respect him a lot and I know he respects what we are doing as well. For a rivalry we don’t need to be disrespectful.

“Around the games we have a good relationship without meeting and during the games we are both competitors.

“So far we did really well in cutting that out of all the stuff. I always could see brilliance or admit brilliance when I saw it and in this case that’s the case.”

These Klopp’s comments shared on Twitter gathered a number of replies from a wide range of Man City supporters.

“Sorry Klopp, he’s here to stay.”
Credit: @mcfcdvd

“Klopp basically admitting he’s run out of gas and can’t keep up with City. You love to see it.”
Credit: @jbwharris

“Of course you would pal. You’ve been in his shadow for the past 5 years.”
Credit: @benjhazell

“Klopp finally waving the white flag.”
Credit: @Shikargar

“Pep would say the exact opposite about Klopp. Shows the difference in character really”
Credit: @Rodridiculous

“They’re so unlike in mentality! Pep loves a challenge”
Credit: @GustavoL_7

“First he declared that Darwin Nunez would score more under Pep, now this. Klopp has categorically betrayed all Liverpool fans who strapped up to fight in these past few days. He’s saying what we’ve all been saying.”
Credit: @_newslave