Jurgen Klopp changes stance on possible Manchester City title-stripping parade

Jurgen Klopp says he no longer feels the need to celebrate if Manchester City are stripped of Premier League titles following the club’s financial charges verdict.

City were found guilty on Tuesday of all the serious financial charges brought by the Premier League relating to the period from 2009 to 2018. The case concerns an era in which Manchester City’s success repeatedly brought them into direct competition with Liverpool, managed by Klopp at the time.

Klopp was asked whether he would welcome the possibility of a parade if City’s titles were removed. He had previously suggested he would attend such an event, but now says he is content to wait for the outcome of any punishment.

“I know I once said something that I’d come if there was ever a parade, but it doesn’t feel like that now. I don’t feel like I need to have my bus parade. I can wait and stay totally relaxed,” Klopp told a news conference.

The German, who is now in charge of Germany, has continued to hold Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s football in high regard despite the latest development in the case.

“My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football that City played in the time when we played against each other, what they played on the field, the opponents they were at the top level, is much too high for me to say anything now,” he added.

Klopp said any sanctions imposed on Manchester City would not alter his view of what Liverpool achieved during their battles for the title.

“If there are some punishments handed down, then it’s obviously not anything to do with me so I’ll just wait. I’m completely OK about what happened and what we achieved.”

Manchester City’s dominance during the period in question produced several closely fought title races with Liverpool. Liverpool finished one point behind City in both the 2018-19 and 2021-22 Premier League seasons, with both campaigns ending in exceptionally high points totals.

Klopp did lead Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2019-20. It remains his only league championship with the club.

Guardiola managed Manchester City from 2016 until his departure in 2026. His rivalry with Klopp was central to the Premier League’s title contests during that period, but Klopp’s comments indicate that any future decision on City’s honours will not diminish his respect for their performances on the pitch.