Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has expressed sympathy for Pep Guardiola and his players over Manchester City’s "shock" Champions League ban.
City have been banned from European club competition for the next two seasons and fined £25million after being found guilty of committing “serious breaches” of UEFA’s club licensing and financial fair play regulations.
The Carabao Cup finalists subsequently announced they will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
And Klopp revealed his initial thoughts are with City counterpart Guardiola.
“To be honest, I feel for Pep and the players,” said the Reds boss. “They did for sure nothing wrong, they just played football and sensational football.
“Wherever Pep has been, he has helped each league to improve their football.
“But then again, we all have to respect rules. I have no idea if they (City) did or not, but UEFA sees it like they didn’t. We will see what happens.”
Klopp added: “It was a shock when I saw it, somebody sent me the headline.
“I have no idea how these kind of things work, but what I can say as a football coach is Man City under Pep Guardiola since I’ve been here play sensational football.
“I’ve always admired what they do and what he is doing. That will not end with this moment.
“I can imagine it is really hard at the moment for the sports people (at City).
“You trust your people, they tell you it’s all fine, and then obviously UEFA see that slightly differently. Now they have to deal with it. I have no idea what will happen next.
“I saw a few things that were said, I imagine City will appeal and I imagine more things will come out because much more information will come out.”
