Klopp feels sorry for Guardiola, City players: They did 'nothing wrong'

Jurgen Klopp expressed sympathy for long-standing managerial rival Pep Guardiola and his players after Manchester City were banned from European football for two seasons.

“What I can say as a football coach is Man City under Pep Guardiola … play sensational football. I always admire what they do, what he’s doing, what they do, and that will not end in this moment, obviously,” The Liverpool manager told assembled media, including The Guardian, following his side’s 1-0 win at Norwich City on Saturday.

Klopp admitted his “shock” when he learned of Friday’s ruling by UEFA over City’s alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play regulations.

“To be honest, I feel for Pep and the players because, wow, they did, for sure, nothing wrong,” he continued. “They just played football – and sensational football.

“Wherever Pep was, he helped each league to improve football. But then at the end, we all have to respect some rules – and I have no idea if they did or not, but obviously UEFA sees it like this, that they didn’t. And yeah, we will see what happens.”

Manchester City have 10 days to appeal the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The side announced its intention to do so in Friday’s statement addressing UEFA’s decision.

“With this prejudicial process now over, the club will pursue an impartial judgment as quickly as possible and will, therefore, in the first instance, commence proceedings with the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the earliest opportunity,” the statement read.