Jurgen Klopp has spoken about the possibility of Liverpool being retrospectively awarded Premier League titles following Manchester City's guilty verdict, suggesting he has not given the matter much thought.
The former Liverpool manager was questioned at a pre-match press conference ahead of Germany's Nations League clash against Serbia on Thursday evening. It comes after an independent panel found City guilty of 114 of 115 charges for breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.
Klopp's response to City verdict
Speaking at the press conference, Klopp said: "[Laughs] Of course I've heard about that, but I haven't given it much thought. I can only wait and see."
He added: "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."
Klopp continued: "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."
Backtrack from previous comments
The comments appear to be a backtrack from remarks he made in January 2025, when he explained how he would celebrate if Liverpool were awarded a retrospective title. At the time, he said: "We had this discussion when I left. I haven't spent a lot of time in Mallorca (where he moved after leaving Liverpool) because I am always flying around the place.
"But if it would happen, I told all the people who wanted to [come]: 'Just book a flight to Mallorca. I will buy the beer!' We'd have our own parade in my garden."
City deny wrongdoing and plan appeal
City strongly deny any wrongdoing and will appeal the verdict, claiming to have a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence." If their appeal fails, they could face severe penalties, including significant financial sanctions, points deductions, expulsion from the Premier League, or being stripped of titles.
Klopp's Liverpool side frequently battled Guardiola's City in the Premier League and domestic cup tournaments. The German departed Anfield in the summer of 2024 and, after a two-year break from management, became Germany manager earlier this year.
Former Liverpool man Graham Souness has called for the Reds to be awarded two retrospective titles won by City. Speaking to Track Radio, he said: "The legacy is gone. If it goes the wrong way for them, they'll be consigned to history as cheats, and whatever they did, whatever they won in that period, should not count."
He added: "There's an argument for Liverpool to have a couple of Premier Leagues given to them. For them [City] to be stripped of whatever they've won in that period of time. For them, money's not an issue, so whatever fine is just like a scratch on the surface. Relegation [as an option]... I don't know, but I come back to it, I think this is going to open a can of worms, which I think may go well beyond the realms of football."
Guardiola also addressed the situation on Wednesday, writing on Instagram: "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."
