"I know the statistics will tell you that it's Pep" - Simon Jordan explains why Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is best in the world instead of Guardiola
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is the best manager in the world ahead of Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola. That's the opinion of former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan. He believes that the German's ability to thrive on a budget gives him the edge over his Spanish counterpart.
Klopp and Guardiola have both established themselves among the greatest managers in Premier League history. This is courtesy of their amazing exploits in the English top flight over the last couple of years.
With the duo being the standout figures in the league and both shining in the same era, it's only natural that they get compared to each other by fans and footballing icons alike.
Although Pep Guardiola wins the numbers game, having achieved more success with Manchester City, Simon Jordan insists that Jurgen Klopp is the better manager. The reason cited by Jordan is the Reds' manager's success with limited resources.
“They’ve [Liverpool] got a manager that to me, I think, is the best manager, if not close to it in world football. I know that the statistics will tell you that it’s Pep,” he said on talkSPORT.
“Well, if he had the same resources as Pep, I think he might have achieved the same things.”
Jordan went on to express that he prefers Klopp's dynamic approach to the game over Guardiola's domineering style. According to him, the Liverpool manager's style is more exciting.
“The argument will be, ‘What style of football do you like to watch?’ I like to watch Liverpool’s style of football more than I like to watch Manchester City’s," the Englishman continued.
“I just like a more dynamic style of football rather than this overwhelming destruction of other sides by passing them to an almost near standstill. The nature of Manchester City’s football, whilst beautiful on the eye, isn’t quite as exciting as the dynamic explosion Liverpool often produce and that’s just a personal choice.
"I think Klopp is a brilliant manager. He’s now back in the groove and back in most press conferences saying things that are sensible and not constantly indulging himself in what they do and don’t have and how unfortunate it is for them. I think he’s an outstanding manager,” he added.
How Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola's sides have fared in the Premier League so far this season
The two managers have both had a promising start to the 2023-24 Premier League season. Their respective sides are among the clubs with the biggest chances of claiming the title come the end of the campaign.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool currently sits at the pinnacle of the table with 45 points from 20 games after recording 13 victories, six draws, and one defeat to their name. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City sits in the third spot with 40 points in 19 games, having 12 wins, four draws, and three losses.
Up next, the Cityzens will lock horns with Newcastle United in the English top flight away from home tomorrow (January 13). The Reds, meanwhile, will go head-to-head with Bournemouth in their next league game on Sunday, January 21.