‘Not too cool’ – Klopp takes dim view of Guardiola question; has ‘never seen’ anyone like Liverpool ace
Jurgen Klopp took a dim view of a “cheeky” question about Pep Guardiola, and revealed his surprise at one particular aspect of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City has been characterised by mutual respect among both the players and managers. Klopp and Guardiola in particular have lauded each other as well as the teams they manage.
With so little to split the two giants of English football, it came as no surprise to see them draw 2-2 on Sunday.
That result leaves City in the driver’s seat in the race to be crowned kings of England with their one-point advantage maintained.
However, neither club will be thinking about the Premier League this week. Both clubs will play the second legs of their Champions League quarter finals on Wednesday before meeting again at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final next weekend.
The rivalry could ultimately match or even supersede the famous Man Utd v Arsenal battles that characterised the late 90s and early 2000s. To ensure it does, longevity is required.
Guardiola recently dismissed reports he could take the Brazil job after the Qatar World Cup. In doing so, he stated he’s “willing to stay [at Man City] forever.”
And speaking in his Tuesday press conference, Klopp was asked about both his and Guardiola’s futures in England.
“I saw Pep Guardiola saying he could stay there (at Man City) forever and you’re cheeky enough to pick that out? Not too cool,” said Klopp (via the Liverpool Echo).
“Pep’s future has nothing to do with me.”
Klopp taken aback by Luis Diaz trait
Klopp was later asked about January recruit Luis Diaz. The Colombian has been a revelation since arriving from FC Porto and scored the vital third goal against Benfica last week to give the Reds a two-goal cushion.
Despite his fast start, pundit Stephen Warnock recently revealed why Tottenham won’t be fussed about missing out on Diaz.
Regardless, Klopp hailed his new wide man once again, and admitted he’s never seen anyone who enjoys training more.
The German added: “I didn’t know how much Luis Diaz enjoys training. Not sure I have seen someone like that before, always smiling.
“How quickly he’s adapted? No, we didn’t know that. All the players we’ve signed last few years are happy. It’s not the worst place in the world here.”
Finally the subject of squad depth and strength was addressed. Varying observers have claimed Klopp currently possesses the strongest Liverpool squad since their last heyday in the 1980s.
When asked if the current iteration is the best he’s had at Anfield, Klopp added: “Yes. Since I’m here we’ve always had great teams. I love them all.
“But now we have a bigger squad, high quality, all fit for the first time, more experienced. We know more about each other. It’s the strongest.”
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