Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola paid an emotional tribute to departing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, as he was moved to tears when discussing the German coach.
Klopp took charge of Liverpool for the final time on Sunday, as Manchester City won their fourth consecutive title, and Guardiola took the time to provide a heartfelt answer about his longtime rival. The City chief's voice almost broke as he highlighted how significant Klopp's role has been in driving him forward.
"I will miss him a lot," Guardiola said, "Jurgen has been a really important part of my life. He brought me to another level as a manager. We respect each other incredibly.
"I have the feeling he will be back and thank you so much for his words but he knows that behind me there is a lot that this club provides me with, otherwise alone I can't do it. I'm humble enough to understand that.
"He helps me with his team, he has been a huge competitor in my life. I didn't discover the way I can punish them like I can find for other teams. With him it has been so difficult.
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"I'm pretty sure Mikel [Arteta] will continue his legacy to drive us to another level. I wish him all the best and hope his final game was special, he deserved it.
"He made Liverpool recognised with his stamp, and the incredible pride of being a Liverpool fan. It's not just about titles, there are personalities that when they arrive in one place they stay forever and Jurgen and Liverpool will be part of the level of Shankly and Paisley and these incredible legends."
Pep Guardiola has led Manchester City to four successive Premier League titles (Getty Images)Klopp had likewise paid compliment to Guardiola heading into the weekend. The Reds boss suggested the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager was the best in the world.
The 56-year-old reckons only Guardiola could achieve what he has with Manchester City. “Everybody knows about the 115 charges, but I have no clue what that means,” said Klopp.
“I only know the number. Whatever has happened at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world - and that is really important.
“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 boys. Does that mean they can do what they want? No. But I don't know what they did - if they did anything - and I'm not here to say they have.
“We will see. Of course, I would like to know (if City are guilty) one day. Everyone wants to know. But I will be somewhere else. The quality of Pep makes the difference so I don't worry about these things. We will see. It's not my problem and I am fine with what we have and what we've achieved."
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