NEWS FLASH: Pep Guardiola grants Jurgen Klopp a departure verdict while making an amazing allegation about the Man City contract.

The German confirmed he will depart at the end of the season, ending his nearly nine-year stint on Merseyside, in which time he and Guardiola have established a fierce, yet respectful rivalry. Reflecting on Klopp’s imminent departure, Guardiola admitted he will ‘sleep better’ but is not experiencing the same level of burnout as his old adversary is feeling.

“I was shocked, like everyone, to the news. I felt a part of Man City would be lost. We cannot define our period here together without him and Liverpool, it is impossible. They have been our biggest rival and personally he has been my biggest rival from when he was at Dortmund and I was at Bayern.

“I think the Premier League is going to miss his charisma, personality and the way his teams play. They have always been a pleasure to watch how positive they are in their approach. They try to win every game.

“I wish him all the best. Liverpool is always tough. It will be tougher from now on but maybe it is an opinion that he will not admit but he will be back. I know it. Maybe in 10 years time, he may need to recharge his energy. With his personality and his energy, he will be back. National team, other team I don’t know but football needs personalities like him.

“It was a dream when we were together and hopefully next season we can have time to go to dinner together or a drink that we deserve to take.”