Guardiola clarified his position after reporters asked if he considered Real Madrid his greatest obstacle following their elimination of City from the UCL.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has named Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool as the greatest challenge of his managerial career, following the Citizens’ elimination from this season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL).
The Spanish tactician clarified his stance on Tuesday night while speaking to Amazon Prime, shortly after City were knocked out of the competition by Real Madrid.
Man City, who played with ten men in the second leg of the European tie at the Etihad, eventually lost 2-1 after Bernardo Silva was sent off for stopping a goal-bound shot with his elbow.
Vinicius Jr then stepped forward to convert the resultant spot kick, putting Los Blancos in the lead.
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Although Erling Haaland equalised to make it 1-1, the Brazilian winger scored again to help the La Liga side progress to the quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate victory.
When asked by reporters if Real Madrid were the greatest obstacle of his career, Guardiola disagreed.
He stated that he considers Liverpool and their former manager, Jurgen Klopp, to be the toughest challenge he has ever faced.
Guardiola said: “Real Madrid have not been my biggest challenge. My biggest challenge has been Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
“Maybe you are in Spain [journalists] and you didn’t notice… You have no idea what it was like to face Liverpool in those games; it was a great learning experience.”
