Guardiola was visibly emotional after learning of Klopp’s comments about him.

Pep Guardiola was reduced to tears after hearing what Jurgen Klopp said about him before his Liverpool farewell speech.

Klopp managed his final game in charge of the Reds at Anfield on Sunday, ending his near nine-year spell in charge with a 2-0 win over Wolves.

His long-term adversary in the Premier League has been Guardiola, with City and Liverpool doing battle throughout much of the pair’s time in England.

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Off the pitch, Guardiola and Klopp have been nothing but respectful – so it wasn’t entirely a surprise to hear the Liverpool boss talk mention the Spaniard and his achievements in his final week in charge.

in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Klopp told reporters: “He’s the best manager in the world … if you put any other manager in that club, they don’t win the league four times in a row. That’s down to him and his team.”

Guardiola was asked about those comments in his own post-match press conference after City beat West Ham 3-1 to win their fourth successive Premier League title – and broke down in tears.

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He said: “I will miss him a lot. Jurgen has been a really important part of my life. He brought me to another level as a manager.

“I think we respect each other incredibly – I have a feeling that he will be back.

“I just want to say thank you so much for his words, but he knows personally that behind me, there are a lot of things that this club provides me and gives to me. Otherwise, alone, I cannot do it. I’m humble enough to understand completely.

“He helps me so many times. He helps me with his team, and he’s been a huge competitor in my life. In many moments, I didn’t discover the way I can punish them like I can find for other teams. It’s so difficult.

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“I’m sure Mikel [Arteta and Arsenal] will continue his legacy to push us to another level.

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“I wish him [Klopp] all the best. I didn’t see his final game but I hope it was special for him, because he deserves it. People say, ‘How many titles did you win?’ It’s not just about that. Of course, it’s important, but it’s not just about that.

“They are personalities. When they stay in one place, they stay there forever.

“The level with Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and the other legends, Jurgen will be there.”

Featured Image Credit: Hayters TV / Sky Sports

Topics: Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Manchester City, Liverpool, Premier League, Football

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.