I Will Sleep Better – Guardiola Speaks About Rival’s Quit Notice

Pep Guardiola has reacted to the quit notice concerning his top rival.

Guardiola playfully remarked that he will sleep better once Jurgen Klopp departs Liverpool and expressed support for his long-time rival’s eventual return to management.

Klopp surprised the football world on Friday by announcing his departure from Anfield at the end of the season after nine years in charge. Guardiola, who arrived at Manchester City a year after Klopp took charge at Liverpool, has been in a constant rivalry with the German, competing at the top of English football.

Having faced each other for two years in Germany, with Guardiola at Bayern Munich and Klopp managing Borussia Dortmund, the two managers have crossed paths more than any other, with a total of 29 encounters.

Reflecting on Klopp’s departure, Guardiola, whose City side currently trails Liverpool by five points, said, “I will sleep better. Before playing against Liverpool was always a nightmare. Of course, he will be missed. It was a shock to everyone. As Manchester City, we will lose something; we cannot define our period without him and without Liverpool.”

Acknowledging Klopp as the best rival in his career, Guardiola emphasized that the Premier League will miss Klopp’s charisma and personality, wishing him the best. Klopp plans to take a year off after leaving Liverpool, and while he has ruled out an immediate return to management in England, Guardiola is confident he will eventually come back.

Guardiola expressed, “He will not admit it, but he will be back. I know it. Maybe in 10 years’ time when he’s charged his energy. I’m saying this personality will be back. With the national team, I don’t know.”

Recognizing the significance of taking a break after a long stint at one club, Guardiola drew a parallel with his own experience at Barcelona, stating, “Nine years in the same place, maybe he needs to breathe, to step back. But football needs personalities like him. Hopefully, next season we will have time to go out for dinner together.”