Ahead of tomorrow’s massive clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, one man who played for both clubs reckons Jurgen Klopp has the edge over rival Pep Guardiola.
Both clubs are looking to gain a psychological advantage over the other, while closing the gap to leaders Chelsea in the process.
German midfielder Didi Hamann, who turned out for both Liverpool and City in his playing career, believes that Klopp is ahead of his Spanish rival due to the bond between him and his players, something Hamann feels Guardiola does not yet have at the Eithad Stadium.
“The way Jurgen Klopp celebrates with his players makes him stand out in the Premier League,” said Hamann, who these days turns out for German amateur side TuS Haltern.D
“There’s a bond there which you don’t get at any other club.
“Those players would go through a brick wall for their manager – more so than any other club in the league.
“Guardiola certainly doesn’t seem to have the same connection with his players.
“Klopp has also made a cut-throat decision, whereas Pep hasn’t.
“Both clubs have had goalkeeper problems this season, but Klopp has dropped Loris Karius and brought back Simon Mignolet.
“There was huge pressure on Karius after high-profile mistakes, and while Klopp defended him in the Press, he changed him and dealt with the issue behind closed doors.
“Since then, Liverpool have won three games and only conceded once.
“Where some would have seen it as a weakness, Klopp showed strength under pressure and made a decisive call.
“There are still huge question marks over Claudio Bravo at City and Pep hasn’t addressed them.
“Maybe Willy Caballero isn’t in a position to challenge for the number one spot, or maybe Guardiola is weighing up other options, but the keeper is still a huge issue that hasn’t been dealt with.”
By Steve Osborne                  @BlizzardSteve75
