Jurgen Klopp spoke candidly about Manchester City's Premier League verdict and how it affects his Liverpool legacy during his press conference ahead of Germany v Serbia.
Jurgen Klopp's Germany Era Underway
Jurgen Klopp led Germany for the first time against the Netherlands last week, drawing 1-1 in a slightly drab start to a new era for the German national team. The 1-0 loss against Greece that followed has driven home Klopp's assertion that it will take time and a holistic approach to get Germany ready for their next competitive tournament.
Reuters/Kai PfaffenbachKlopp Reacts to Manchester City Charges
Last week, David Ornstein exclusively revealed that the Premier League has found Manchester City guilty of the charges that were originally brought against them in 2023.
Since Ornstein first revealed the verdict, the Premier League itself has released its own official statement accusing Manchester City of structuring their finances through 'sham' commercial deals and contracts. In response, Manchester City issued its own statement emphasising their surprise at the verdict and their intention to appeal.
Speaking during his pre-Serbia press conference yesterday, Klopp was asked about the verdict. He said:
"I really haven't given it much thought, though I'm obviously aware of it. I also remember what I said back then: about how if there were ever a parade, I'd show up, and so on."
Klopp seems to have changed his thinking since that now famous quip he made years ago:
That's not really how I feel today.
"It's not as if I feel I need to have a bus parade or anything like that. I'm quite relaxed about waiting to see what happens."
"My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football they played during the time we competed against each other, the quality they brought to the pitch, and the level of opposition they provided, is far too great for me to comment on this now."
If any penalties are handed down, that obviously has nothing to do with me, so I'll just wait and see.
"When you talk about a legal case that's already dragged on this long, you can imagine there will be appeals and the like, meaning it'll take ages."
It's not as if I need to be crowned English champion a few more times; I'm completely at peace with what happened and what we achieved.
Klopp brings to the fore an interesting point: what exactly could Liverpool be entitled to?
Could Klopp's Liverpool Be Awarded Premier League Titles?
The scope of the charges levied against Manchester City is limited to the period from the 2009/10 to 2017/18 season. In terms of the Premier League, Klopp's Liverpool never finished second to City during this period. However, if titles were to be re-awarded (which feels unlikely), Liverpool could be granted the 2013/14 title - making Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard Premier League champions for their infamous second-place finish that season.
Of course, many will argue that the alleged breaches laid the foundation for Manchester City's successful period after 2018, and so those titles are also directly connected. Only time will tell if there will be a further investigation.
We already know that multiple Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, have reserved the right to sue Manchester City for damages incurred by their alleged cheating.
Let us know in the comments below what you think about Klopp's statement, and click here to join our community!
