Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed reluctance to comment on the recent decision involving Manchester City’s financial conduct, citing his respect for City manager Pep Guardiola and the competitive nature of their previous encounters. The remarks came in the wake of an independent commission ruling on Tuesday that found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of financial regulations. Although the club has denied any wrongdoing and is expected to appeal, the sanctions to be imposed remain unsettled.

Klopp, 59, whose Liverpool teams finished just one point behind Manchester City in two closely contested Premier League title races, had previously indicated in a humorous tone that he would attend a parade if Liverpool were retrospectively awarded titles. However, during a press briefing on Wednesday, he conveyed that his perspective on the matter had changed.

“I haven’t given it much thought, even though I’ve seen it of course,” Klopp said. “I also know what I said about it in the past and how if there’s ever a parade I’ll be there, but it doesn’t feel like that anymore.”

He highlighted the quality of Guardiola’s teams and the exceptional rivalry they maintained at the highest competitive level, factors that tempered his readiness to weigh in on the issue. “My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football played at City during the time we played against each other... plus what an opponent they proved to be for us at the very highest level is far too great for me to be able to say anything now,” Klopp added.

Klopp, who led Liverpool to both Premier League and Champions League titles during his nine-year tenure at Anfield before stepping down in 2024, affirmed his confidence in Liverpool’s achievements irrespective of the ongoing dispute.

He also expressed a preference to let the investigation and legal proceedings unfold without speculation on potential repercussions for Manchester City. The club’s forthcoming appeal and the eventual penalties will determine the final outcome of the case.