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‘He put me on another level’ – Guardiola credits Klopp ahead of face-off

Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp
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A new chapter in a long-running rivalry awaits as the Spaniard is set to go against the German for the 22nd time.

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Jurgen Klopp ahead of Saturday’s face-off saying his Liverpool opposite number has “helped him become a better manager.”

Guardiola first faced Klopp during their time together in Germany. Their first clash in June 2013 ended in the favor of the latter, with Borussia Dortmund beating Bayern Munich 4-2 in the German Super Cup final.

No other manager has gotten the better of the former Barcelona boss more than Klopp, although the distinguished duo have the same amount of wins (9) against each other.

“He helped me. His teams and Jurgen helped me become a better manager,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.

“He put me on another level, to think about it and prove myself to be a better manager and try to beat them.

“This is the reason why we’re still in this business. Some managers make a challenge to make you step forward.

“We did it in Germany when we tried to face each other. Here in England we are many years together, in many competitions and we face many times, sometimes we win sometimes lose, but it’s nice because both teams have the same idea – score goals. They are quicker than us but we both try to win the game.”

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