PEP GUARDIOLA admits he feels sympathy for his great rival Jurgen Klopp – but expects the Liverpool boss to bounce back.
The German has had a tough start to 2021 when he lost his mother and saw his team’s title defence fall apart.
Pep Guardiola admits he feels some sympathy for under-pressure Liverpool boss Jurgen KloppCredit: Reuters
Guardiola went through similar experiences last season but has proved all the doubters wrong by guiding Manchester City back to the top.
He believes it is impossible to win every single season and sometimes a few defeats can help to refocus the mind.
Asked if he has empathy with the Anfield chief, he said: “A lot, what he’s done in exceptional.
“We have good and bad moments all of us, no manager or club can sustain season after season, winning and winning, it would be boring.
“Sometimes you have to lose, to realise. It can be so effective if you lose a little bit. I speak personally, not for my colleagues.
“Sometimes it’s good to lose, you relaise how difficult it is. When you come back and start to win you get more credit and value for what you’ve done.
“I said many times now and last season, previously in Germany, he makes football attractive for all spectators.
“He wants to give joy to fans to world football, attacking football and there’s no doubts about it.”
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Jurgen Klopp has insisted he is sticking around at AnfieldCredit: PA:Press Association
Guardiola is likely to be without man of the moment Ilkay Gundogan for Wednesday’s trip to Everton due to a groin injury.
But Kevin de Bruyne has handed Pep Guardiola a boost by returning to full training ahead of the trip to Goodison Park.
Gundogan has been the star man for the leaders in recent weeks but hobbled off after scoring twice against Tottenham on Saturday.
Tests have shown it is not a serious injury – but Guardiola does not want to take any risks.
He said: “Gundo is much better but I don’t think he’s available on Wednesday.”
However KdB is closing on a return just four weeks after injuring his hamstring in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on January 20.
Guardiola added: “He’s getting better – really. He was training with the group, with all of us, and feeling much better.”
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Jurgen Klopp denies rumours he has quit Liverpool after poor run of results and insists he doesn’t need a break
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
