Klopp refuses extra Premier League title after City sanction

In a brief press conference, Jürgen Klopp, head coach of Germany, responded to the recent verdict against Manchester City, in which the club was found guilty of almost all financial violations between 2008 and 2018. The judgment came after a hearing in the autumn of 2024 and could theoretically deliver a retroactive Premier League‑title for Klopp.

Klopp said: ‘I can only wait.’ He added: ‘I have a lot of respect for Pep and his style of football.’ He then stated that he is not considering a second national title: ‘I’m not even thinking about that. I’m completely fine with what we have achieved in Liverpool.’

City convicted of financial violations

Manchester City was accused by the league in 2023 of systematically breaching the financial regulations between 2008 and 2018. In the autumn of 2024 a hearing took place before a three‑member panel, which almost two years later ruled that the club was guilty of almost all charges.

In the 2018/19 season Liverpool under Klopp finished second, one point behind the Citizens. Liverpool amassed 97 points and lost only once, while City performed slightly better that year with 98 points.

If City were to lose its titles from the 2008‑2018 period, former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers would add a first title, as he finished second in the 2013/14 season behind Manuel Pellegrini. In addition, Luis Suárez was Premier League‑topscorer in that same period with 31 goals.