Jurgen Klopp has responded to Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager claimed everyone, including the media, supports Liverpool in the title race.
It is not every day that we see title-challenging managers get into a bit of a debate through the media when the season is about to conclude. Pep Guardiola stirred up a mini storm after some of his comments aimed at Liverpool.
After Manchester City’s win over Newcastle United, the Premier League leaders went three points ahead of Liverpool, Guardiola made some indifferent comments about the Merseyside club, saying, “Everyone in this country supports Liverpool, the media and everyone. Of course, because Liverpool has an incredible history in European competition.”
“Not in the Premier League, because they have won one in 30 years, but it is not a problem at all. Liverpool are alongside (Manchester) United as the most important team in terms of titles, legacy, history, dramas for many, many things. But we have since the last 11 or 12 years been there. I know sometimes we are uncomfortable, but I don’t care if the people want Liverpool to win more than us. It is not an issue.”
Where the idea stemmed into Guardiola’s mind is another question, but Jurgen Klopp was on hand to respond in his style to those remarks. The Liverpool manager’s response was quoted by Liverpool Echo.
Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp:
'I have no idea if the whole country is supporting us … It's not the feeling I get, actually, when we go to other places and play there. It's actually the opposite, but maybe [Pep Guardiola] knows more about that than me' pic.twitter.com/x9BCnCLeyo
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) May 9, 2022
Klopp said, “I live in Liverpool so yes, here, a lot of people want us to win the league,” the German told reporters in his pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s game against Aston Villa, before adding, “That’s true but even here it’s probably only 50%. The other guys were involved in another fight, at least until yesterday.”
There is no proof to support Guardiola’s claims, and maybe he was referring to the history factor. However, as things stand, these exchanges may not go any further as both managers share a very mutually respectable relationship.
As for the title race, the baton is in Manchester City’s hands after Liverpool slipped up against Tottenham, as they could only manage a draw at Anfield. Guardiola’s men, who played on Sunday, thoroughly thrashed Newcastle United 5-0 at the Etihad to perhaps put the title dreams beyond Liverpool.
