Jurgen Klopp said he regretted engaging Pep Guardiola in a war of stinging comments that saw the two club bosses extending the Liverpool-Manchester City showdown out of the pitch. The German manager admitted his initial reaction to Guardiola's statements was uncalled for.
Klopp was angered by the observations coming from his Spanish counterpart, that Sadio Mane tended to dive so easily in previous games. This was in relation to the close win by the Reds against Aston Villa, in which Mane figured prominently to deliver the victory for his club.
According to Guardiola, it seemed the Senegalese has developed a habit of diving in the penalty area and win an undue advantage for Liverpool.
"Sometimes he's diving, sometimes he has this talent to score incredible goals in the last minute. He's a talent," the Spaniard was reported as saying.
The Liverpool manager took offense and in return, he reminded the City boss of tactical fouls attributed to Guardiola's wards.
Belatedly, Klopp realized that the words sent to Guardiola's way were unnecessary. What he did was a misfire, the German said following the clarifications made by the City boss.
"If I could do it again, I wouldn't say it again, [the tactical fouls comments]. It's just not necessary, these kind of things. I know there is a lot of respect there. I feel that's how it should be. I feel all the rest will be decided on the pitch," the Reds coach said, according to Metro.
Also, Klopp accepted the explanations made by Guardiola and conceded that even from his part, "we sometimes say things without really thinking about anything else."
To patch things up, the German did a turnaround and indicated he only has high respect for Guardiola, whom he hailed as a top-notch in his job.
"I couldn't have more respect for Pep Guardiola. He is the best manager in the world and we have the chance to win against his team," The Sun reported Klopp as saying.
On Sunday, Liverpool will be hosting Manchester City at the Anfield and the match has been billed by pundits as the biggest so far in the Premier League. The game will also showcase which team will likely emerge as the season winner.
Liverpool is at the top of the table while City is the reigning league champion.
Ahead of the epic match, Klopp has dismissed the suggestions that Liverpool will play safe, insisting the Reds will be out on the pitch ready to give 100% and earn a victory.
A win by Liverpool will give the club an advantage of nine points over City, a status that should further convince Klopp and company will prevent a third Premier League title in a row for Guardiola.
