Jurgen Klopp has said he is not preparing to be awarded any new Premier League titles after Manchester City were found guilty of breaching league financial rules. An independent panel ruled that City breached Premier League financial rules and found them guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them.
The league confirmed the verdict in a statement on Tuesday. City responded with their own statement, saying they have a 'comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence' to prove their innocence. The breaches occurred between 2009 and 2018, and City were first charged in 2023. The club has always strongly denied the allegations and will appeal the decision.
Potential sanctions and Klopp's reaction
Should the appeal prove unsuccessful, City could face severe sanctions, including substantial fines, points deductions, or even removal from the Premier League. Another possible sanction involves being stripped of titles.
Klopp's Liverpool team regularly competed with Pep Guardiola's City in the Premier League and domestic cup competitions. The German left his position at Anfield in summer 2024. Following a two-year absence from management, he took charge of Germany earlier this year. He is currently preparing his squad for Thursday night's Nations League fixture against Serbia.
Klopp's comments on City and Guardiola
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Klopp was asked about the verdict and whether he had considered the prospect of Liverpool being handed another title. "[Laughs] Of course I've heard about that, but I haven't given it much thought," he said. "I can only wait and see.
"I have big respect for Pep Guardiola and City's style of football; they played fantastic football and were a top class opponent for us. If any sanctions are handed out, I have nothing to do with it; I'll wait and see.
"I'm far from preparing for a title or anything like that. I'm absolutely fine with what we've achieved in Liverpool. We fought hard on the pitch. I can't say more about that because I don't know the details and I'm not interested in them."
Guardiola also broke his silence on the situation on Wednesday. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."
