Pep Guardiola has labelled Jurgen Klopp as the “biggest rival” he has faced in the Premier League just a day after the Liverpool manager confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.

After CIty secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup following 1-0 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, Guardiola was asked about the news that Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season.

Guardiola said: “I will sleep better!,” adding: “Against his Liverpool team it is almost a nightmare. He will be missed. It was a shock like everyone.

“I felt when I heard the news that a part of Man City will lose something because we cannot define our period here together without him. He has been our biggest rival and personally the best rival I have had in my life.

“The Premier League is going to miss him, his personality, and the way his teams play. I respect the way he plays and always a pleasure to watch with how positive he is. I wish him all the best.

“He will not admit it, but he will be back, I know it. Maybe in 10 years’ time. He needs to recharge. This personality, he will be back with a national team or another team.

“Football needs personality like him. Hopefully now we can go dinner or have a drink together.”