With Liverpool and Manchester City set to lock horns on Sunday, Jurgen Klopp has made a massive claim about Spanish counterpart Pep Guardiola ahead of their crunch Premier League tie.
In what could be the last meeting between the two managers in England, Klopp has revealed his honest opinion of his rival.
The two coaches have long stated their admiration for one another following their countless meetings, but their upcoming clash could last long in memory of supporters, especially those of Liverpool as the German tactician is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season.
To add to the thrilling story of their rivalry over the years, this weekend's fixture holds significant prominence as it could prove a decisive moment in the race for the Premier League title.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Klopp revealed that he considers the City boss as the best coach he has seen.
"All the trophies he's won but you see him on the side and it is like he has never won one before," Klopp said, according to the Liverpool Echo.
"The desire, I do the job myself so I see excellence when I face it. So many different things over the years he did with his teams, always possession-based but sometimes long balls, Ederson in years ago and then [Sergio] Aguero waits and it is difficult to defend. So many different things over the years.
"How can I judge managers from the past? In my lifetime, Pep is the outstanding manager.
"I was never frustrated [against Guardiola]. I knew 3 000 footballers better than me but I still loved the game so I have no problem with that. Never frustrated me, he made me a better manager.
"I have a positive record versus Pep but I have no clue how that happened. I know I am quite good at what I do.
"I don't want to sound like I am just happy to be here, I know I am not bad, but he is the best.
"Most of the time I do the job without facing Guardiola.
"It's much too detailed to say now [why Guardiola is better]. I cannot say where but there might be areas where I am better, I don't know. I cannot make these differences now.
"Maybe it is a question of taste? Some people might like the way we play more. I do, by the way, otherwise we would play differently."
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