Guardiola makes major Klopp claim ahead of Man City vs Liverpool showdown
Pep Guardiola is convinced Sunday's title showdown with Jurgen Klopp will not be the last time the two rivals go head-to-head.
Klopp has announced he will be stepping down as Liverpool boss at the end of the season, meaning City's trip to Anfield this weekend will be the final time he faces Guardiola in the Premier League.
The pair have enjoyed a storied rivalry dating back to their time in charge of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich respectively and Guardiola has admitted he will miss the competition, but believes Klopp "will be back sooner or later".
Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola said: "I respect completely his decision. I spoke with him and had the feeling that he will be back sooner or later. He loves football and he explained perfectly the reason why.
"The Premier League is the last time, but maybe we will meet in the FA Cup. We will see. I don't think it will be the last time. He's young - and I'm young. It was always a pleasure - and it will be (on Sunday) as well."
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While Guardiola has won twice as many trophies in English football than Klopp – 16 to eight - he claimed he has learned from the man he has hailed as the toughest rival he has ever faced. "It's the way Liverpool play," said Guardiola.
"He doesn't play, but the way he makes his teams play football, you always learn. And Anfield is so tough, especially with the quality of the team. The crowd. of course, but especially the quality of the team. I think it will be nice because it always has been, and we accept the challenge."
Guardiola was asked if his job will be easier next season with Klopp gone, but the City boss is convinced Liverpool will still pose a big threat under a new boss. "I would like it to be, but I don't think so," said Guardiola.
Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are set to lock horns in the Premier League for the final time on Sunday (Getty Images)"Liverpool have always been Liverpool, and the contenders are there. I don't know the decision they are going to make [on who replaces Klopp]. But the contenders are there. Arsenal are already there.
"Last season they were the biggest rivals, not Liverpool. And look how they are still playing. Liverpool need 90 minutes to win the games, sometimes more than 90 minutes to win the games. Arsenal only need 25 minutes to win games.
"That's why they are there. I guess the other teams - Tottenham will make a step forward and Manchester United maybe will be back having one game a week. We will see. But next season is next season and I don’t have the ability to think about what is going to happen next."
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