The contrasting coverage of Jurgen Klopp’s achievements at Anfield has been a source of frustration for Pep Guardiola, yet it has played a role in motivating his team’s success.
Guardiola revealed that his former assistant coach, Brian Kidd, advised him to prioritize youth players over the League Cup when he first joined Manchester City.
Despite Kidd’s suggestion to not overly prioritize the competition, Guardiola took it seriously, leading City to four consecutive victories between 2018 and 2021.
However, he felt his efforts were not adequately recognized by the media, especially when compared to Liverpool’s successes in 2022 and 2024.
Guardiola expressed resentment towards the perceived bias in media coverage, citing instances where City’s accomplishments were overshadowed by Liverpool’s narrative.
He pointed out remarks made in 2019 following City’s narrow victory over Liverpool, where he felt his team’s achievements were undervalued compared to Liverpool’s long-awaited Premier League title.
The City manager further exacerbated tensions by suggesting that Liverpool enjoyed widespread support across England, particularly in the media.
While acknowledging the presence of former Liverpool players in the media, Guardiola’s assertion that the entire country supported Liverpool was deemed unfounded, considering the diversity of football allegiances in England.
Despite Guardiola’s persistent jabs at Liverpool, he found solace in the rivalry, using it as a means to motivate his team. Drawing parallels with Michael Jordan’s approach to competition,
Guardiola emphasized the importance of maintaining motivation and hunger for success. City celebrated not only their own triumphs but also their ability to challenge Liverpool’s dominance in the league.
Guardiola acknowledged Liverpool’s role in pushing City to perform at their best, recognizing the intense competition between the two clubs.
He credited Liverpool for contributing to City’s success, emphasizing the need for relentless effort and dedication in maintaining their position at the top of the league.
In light of Klopp’s impending departure, Guardiola expressed shock and reflected on his connection to Manchester City, highlighting the impact Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool had on the Premier League landscape.
