Pep Guardiola says he sympathises ‘a lot’ with Jurgen Klopp over Liverpool’s recent struggles and believes his rival manager has had an ‘exceptional’ impact on world football.
Klopp conceded that the Reds are no longer in the running to retain their Premier League crown after their damaging defeat to Leicester City last weekend, which has left them 13 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City.
The German boss, who recently lost his mother and was unable to attend her funeral due to coronavirus protocols, dismissed rumours on social media that he was ready to walk away from his job or take a break.
When asked if he sympathises with Klopp, Guardiola replied: ‘A lot. What he produces in world football is exceptional. I say many times now, last season and in previous seasons in Germany.
‘His philosophy makes football attractive for all spectators. He always produces joy to the fans, to world football, there’s no doubts about this.
‘We all have good moments and bad moments, no manager or club can sustain seasons and season of winning, winning, winning, it would be boring.
‘Sometimes you have to lose, to realise. I speak personally, I don’t say for my colleagues.
‘Sometimes it’s good to lose to realise how difficult it is everything.
‘When you come back and win games you get more credit and you are more satisfied for what you have done.’
Liverpool are in Champions League action on Tuesday as they take on Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Klopp will be looking for a confidence-boosting win for his side in Europe ahead of their clash against rivals Everton in this weekend’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.
MORE : Dietmar Hamann hits back at Roy Keane over his claim that Liverpool are ‘bad champions’
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