Jurgen Klopp has revealed that his reluctance to speak out on Manchester City being found guilty of serious financial breaches is rooted in the deep respect he holds for Pep Guardiola. The comments come as Liverpool prepare to host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, in a Premier League clash that carries added tension following City's guilty verdict over historical financial rule breaches.
Both teams hold unbeaten records - Liverpool with two victories and City with five - but the match is overshadowed by City's recent verdict. Despite being found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges by an independent commission, the club insist they are innocent and are set to appeal the verdict.
Klopp's stance on Guardiola
The two iconic managers shared a fierce rivalry over many years, with their former clubs locking horns in a series of gripping title races. Although Klopp previously joked he would turn up to a parade should Liverpool be retrospectively handed titles, he conceded that his stance has since shifted.
The Germany boss said: "I haven't given it much thought, even though I've seen it of course. I also know what I said about it in the past and how if there's ever a parade I'll be there, but it doesn't feel like that anymore.
"My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football played at City during the time we played against each other... plus what an opponent they proved to be for us at the very highest level is far too great for me to be able to say anything now."
Isak delivering the goods
It has been a return to his best for Alexander Isak this season following an injury-disrupted debut campaign at Anfield. The Swede became Liverpool's record signing when they acquired him for £125million last season, but fitness problems hampered his progress and he managed just four goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.
The 27-year-old has already equalled that record this season in the Premier League alone, with four goals in five appearances. Isak's clinical finishing and improved displays have led former Reds striker Emile Heskey to believe he is finally producing the form that prompted Liverpool to splash a nine-figure sum on his signature.
"I'm not sure about what to add to his game because he is what he is," Heskey told Rekatochklart.com. "I like his movement. He's getting chances, and creating chances. You're going to miss some anyway. I love the runs that he's making. He looks sharper now, like he was when he was at Newcastle.
"That comes with games, the more and more you play. I like his movement, I like his runs. I think he's coming back to his best now because people are seeing him making the runs now. The second goal against Ipswich where he made the run in behind for Cody Gakpo who passed it with the outside of his boot.
"If you go back a little bit, just before he makes that run for Gakpo, he's made a run for Virgil (van Dijk) who doesn't play it. He turns around and he's like throwing his hands around and then he realises Gakpo's got it, and he comes back onside and makes the second run."
