Jurgen Klopp provides a message of congratulations to Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City boss prepares for his 1000th game in management, against Liverpool on Sunday
Jurgen Klopp delivers a message of congratulations to Pep Guardiola ahead of the Manchester City boss’ 1000th game in management, against Liverpool on Sunday November 9, 2025
Jurgen Klopp has told Pep Guardiola “it was a pleasure and an honour” facing him so often during their respective careers as the Manchester City boss celebrates his 1000th game in management.
City host Premier League champions Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday on what will be milestone day for the Catalan, who began his career in coaching in 2007.
Guardiola’s City battled it out with Klopp’s Liverpool at the summit of the English game for a number of years and the pair also came head to head while in charge of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, respectively, in the Bundesliga between the years of 2013 and 2015.
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It is in the Premier League, though, where the two vaunted coaches established a respectful rivalry, with the pair regularly going head to head for the title and Klopp was asked by Sky Sports to provide a message to Guardiola ahead of Sunday’s visit from Arne Slot and his Liverpool players.
“Pep, my friend, welcome to the 1000 Club!” says Klopp. “I can’t believe you look that young and [have] already reached this incredible landmark. I probably don’t have to say that I reached it 81 games ago (laughs) but that’s probably the only time I arrived before you.
“But it’s all good, it’s all good. I said it a million times: It was a pleasure and it was an honour to face you that often during our careers. Most difficult games but anyhow the games I enjoyed the most, because you were and you are an inspiration to all of us.
“The way you understand football is pretty much second to none. The desire you show every day is absolutely outstanding. So, yeah, another legendary club you are a part of now and on to the next 1000.
“OK, all the best, speak soon and have a wonderful celebration. Maybe you celebrate it with a glass of red wine.”
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