Liverpool vs Man City: Top 5 Footballers Who Played for Both Klopp and Guardiola

• Klopp and Guardiola are among the greatest football managers ever
• However, only a few players have been coached by both managers
• Here are the top five stars who played for these two gaffers

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola will face off once again as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield in a cagey Premier League encounter this weekend.

These two managers have been at the forefront of tactical innovation in the Premiership.

Having coached multiple teams, they have worked with numerous players over the years.

Some footballers have had the privilege of being managed by both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, experiencing varying levels of success under each.

Sports Brief examines five such players who have played under both managers.

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Stars who featured for both Klopp and Pep

5. Xherdan Shaqiri

Xherdan Shaqiri enjoyed a nearly three-year stint at FC Bayern Munich from 2012 to 2015, scoring 11 goals in 52 league matches, per GOAL.

Under Pep Guardiola, he often served as an impact substitute. In 2018, Liverpool acquired Shaqiri from Stoke City to enhance their squad with his creative abilities.

At Liverpool, Shaqiri continued as a versatile option, utilized in specific game situations. Despite starting only 13 of his 33 Premier League matches, the 29-year-old scored seven goals. Both Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp effectively utilised Shaqiri's skills to achieve the desired results.

4. Mario Gotze

Mario Gotze's rise as a talented attacking midfielder began at Borussia Dortmund, where he emerged from the club's youth system. He played a significant role in Jurgen Klopp's consecutive Bundesliga title wins from 2010 to 2012, and was part of Dortmund's squad that lifted the DFB-Pokal trophy in 2011-12.

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In 2013, the 28-year-old moved to FC Bayern Munich, where Pep Guardiola was the manager, per Bleacher Report.

While he didn't always start, Gotze proved to be a dependable squad player. During Guardiola's tenure, Bayern clinched multiple Bundesliga titles and DFB-Pokal trophies, with Gotze contributing to the team's success.

3. Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan has had significant spells at Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, playing a pivotal role in Jurgen Klopp's Bundesliga-winning team at Dortmund. Under Pep Guardiola at City, Gundogan's skills were further developed.

Despite battling injuries, Gundogan evolved into a key midfielder at City. He contributed to the team's success, winning multiple Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and three EFL Cups.

2. Thiago

Thiago has been a significant figure under Pep Guardiola, featuring prominently for both FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. His role as a deep-lying playmaker aligns well with the demands of Manchester City's manager. With exceptional control over the game's tempo and precise passing, Thiago was a key asset.

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Even after Guardiola's departure from Bayern, Thiago continued to excel, playing a pivotal role in the club's UEFA Champions League triumph. Seeking new challenges, he joined Liverpool ahead of the 2019-20 season, further bolstering the Premier League champions' squad and joining the list of players to have worked under both managers.

1. Robert Lewandowski

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski excelled under the guidance of both managers. Jurgen Klopp coached him at Dortmund, where he gained widespread fame in Europe.

Lewandowski scored 74 goals in 131 league matches under Klopp's leadership, earning acclaim for his performances at a young age. He then moved to Bayern Munich in 2014.

Lewandowski elevated his game at Bayern, notably scoring 30 Bundesliga goals in Pep Guardiola's final season in 2015-16. His versatility as a forward is evident in his success under both Klopp and Guardiola, showcasing his adaptability to different coaching styles.

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Sports Brief recently reported on the top Manchester derby goals.

Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden scored wonderful strikes in the game on Sunday.

Wayne Rooney topped the list with his memorable bicycle kick goal in 2011.