Pep Guardiola has described Jurgen Klopp as ‘exceptional’ and has sent a message of support to the Liverpool manager.
Liverpool have struggled to replicate the performances of their title-winning season during the current campaign and are currently sixth in the Premier League, the Reds having lost their past three fixtures in succession.
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Guardiola’s Manchester City side have competed directly with Liverpool for major honours in recent seasons and have emerged as the favourites to replace the Reds as champions, opening a seven-point advantage over nearest challengers Manchester United ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Everton.
Injuries have hindered Liverpool’s ability to compete this season and Klopp was forced to deny suggestions he could walk away from the club this week, reports having circled that the German could take a break from football following the pressures of the current season and family issues.
Guardiola has now offered a message of support to his managerial rival and believes Liverpool’s difficult spell could benefit both Klopp and the side in the long run, admitting ‘no manager can sustain seasons and seasons of winning’.
“What he [has] produced in world football is exceptional,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference.
“Now and in previous seasons in Germany. His philosophy makes football attractive to spectators. The good moments and bad moments we all have. No manager can sustain seasons and seasons of winning. It’d be boring.
“Sometimes you have to lose a little bit. I speak personally – for me, not my colleagues. Sometimes it’s good to realise how difficult things are and then when you come back you give more value to what you are doing.”
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