PEP GUARDIOLA admitted that his big rival Jurgen Klopp inspires him and makes him a better manager.
The Manchester City boss was delighted to get a message of congratulations from the Liverpool boss after his team clinched the title on Tuesday.
He also got one from Carlo Ancelotti at Everton as the Premier League trophy headed for the Etihad for a third time in four years.
Guardiola said: “I appreciate it a lot. He and Carlo Ancelotti did it. I could not answer the messages yet but I will do. I admire both of them.
“Jurgen, of course, was an inspiration for me. He made me, through his teams at Dortmund and Liverpool, a better manager.
“He made me think a lot about games and opponents. So thank you so much.”
Guardiola’s men were confirmed as champions when nearest rivals Manchester United were beaten by Leicester on Tuesday night.
All of the City squad and backroom team were hastily invited down to the CFA for an impromptu celebration.
The Spaniard said: “It was so nice. The unexpected parties are the nicest ones. If you organise a big party they are normally more boring than last Tuesday.
“We came here in our bubble. We drank a bit, we danced, he hugged a lot, we remembered how good it was.
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“Then at 11.30 15 pizzas arrived and that was the best moment of the night!
“I was not in perfect condition to decide which was the best. All of them were so good.
“But here in England parties are always just alcohol, and I don’t understand why.
“But the moment we got the pizzas was perfect. It was a nice moment, altogether here. We celebrated really good.”
The new champions must make sure they have clear heads as they return to action tomorrow night with a trip to Newcastle.
Guardiola confirmed Kevin De Bruyne is unlikely to be ready for the game on Tyneside as he has a thigh problem.
City are being ultra cautious with their Belgian superstar with the Champions League final just over two weeks away.
He said: “Kevin is still injured. He’s getting better and when he’s fit he will come to training.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
