And so the curtain came down on one of the greatest Premier League managerial rivalries as Juergen Klopp and Pep Guardiola hugged heartily after their sides had slugged each other to a standstill at Anfield on Sunday.
A compelling 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Manchester City left the honours shared, a three-way title race wide open and further proof of the football philosophy that unites two men who have stamped their trademark all over their respective clubs.
Klopp will walk away at the end of the season after a glittering near decade-long reign on Merseyside that has seen the club scoop every major prize and go head-to-head with Guardiola’s City in several epic title races.
This was the 16th Premier League clash between the pair and it felt somehow appropriate that when the fulltime whistle sounded on a glorious advert for the English top flight, there was nothing to separate them.
Former Spain midfielder Guardiola has enjoyed mastery over just about every coach in world football since making his name in charge of Barcelona, but will end his Premier League series with Klopp with five wins, four defeats and seven draws.
While similar rivalries involving the likes of Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho were often laced with bad blood — the warmth with which Klopp and Guardiola embraced on Sunday spoke volumes for the respect they share.
“He will be back! He loves the job too much,” Guardiola told the BBC. “What can I say? He made us a better team, he made me a better manager. I wish he will be back soon, because football needs personalities like him.
“A lot of credit to Liverpool. They proved again what they have done is unbelievable for this rivalry.”
Klopp was coy when asked when they had said to each other after the final whistle but said that when the dust has settled on their respective careers, they are likely to become friends.
“First of all, it’s private, even when it’s in a football stadium… that we both respect each other a lot and probably after the career we will become somehow friends,” Klopp said.
“He’s a golfer, I’m not a golfer, I play padel, but he’s Spanish, he might play padel. So who knows?
“There will be something, if we meet we will have great talks about sensational football games, incredible stuff… it’s really obvious as well the respect is a lot, by the words we speak to each other.”
While Sunday’s clash was the last time Klopp and Guardiola will face off for Premier League points, as far as this year’s title race is concerned it merely made things even more interesting with Arsenal ahead of Liverpool on goal difference and City one point back. All three have 10 games left.
“After this game nobody should open the champagne bottles because there’s still a long way to go but if you can play football like this against Manchester City it’s a statement and I love that,” Klopp said.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
