Jurgen Klopp lauds Pep Guardiola as Manchester City face FFP fallout

In the shadow of the Etihad Stadium, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp praised Pep Guardiola’s work at Manchester City, even as Prime Minister Andy Burnham weighed in on the club’s recent Financial Fair Play guilty verdict.

FFP verdict and appeal

Manchester City have been found guilty of FFP breaches covering 2009 to 2018 by an Independent Commission. TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey reported that the club’s legal team, led by Lord Pannick KC, is already preparing an appeal.

Potential sanctions

If the appeal fails, the club could face a hefty fine, a transfer ban, point deductions, or even expulsion from the Premier League with relegation to lower leagues. The stakes are high for the Cityzens, whose owners have invested heavily in the Etihad Stadium and surrounding campus.

Between 2009 and 2018, Manchester City amassed three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups and one Community Shield, underscoring the success achieved under Guardiola’s tenure.

Jurgen Klopp, who managed Liverpool from 2015 until 2024 and now serves as Germany’s head coach, said he remains a fan of Guardiola and the style of football City displayed during that period.

Guardiola backs Manchester City as financial scandal looms

Klopp added that he is proud of his own achievements at Liverpool, where he secured a Premier League title, an FA Cup, two EFL Cups and a Champions League triumph.

quoted Klopp saying, “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.” He also noted he is “absolutely fine with what we’ve achieved in Liverpool” and will “wait and see” regarding any sanctions.

Andy Burnham told he would be “really concerned to lose” Manchester City, praising the club’s role in building modern Manchester and thanking the City Football Group for investment in the Etihad and the city. He recalled fighting for Everton in a similar FFP case, suggesting the handling of City’s situation should be judged carefully.

Guardiola backs Manchester City after financial ruling

As the legal battle unfolds, the verdict highlights the tension between sporting success and financial regulation, while Klopp’s admiration for Guardiola adds a personal dimension to the broader debate.