After Sunday's barnstorming 2-2 draw between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad, it was clear that managers Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, as disciples of attacking football, were spiritually lifted by what they'd seen out on the pitch.
Guardiola loved all the chances his side created and was happy about maintaining a one-point lead over Liverpool with seven matches to go, whereas Klopp was thrilled with his team's ability to twice come from a goal down to avoid a damning defeat in the title race.
The hug they shared at full-time was worth a thousand words.
RESPECT! Guardiola & Klopp hug it out at full-time pic.twitter.com/5sxHfxpJrA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 10, 2022
This mood also made for amazing television on USA Network as both Klopp and Guardiola appeared pitch-side for post-match interviews.
Klopp arrived at the end of Gabriel Jesus' chat with Rebecca Lowe, Tim Howard, Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe, and Liverpool's manager smiled and nodded while the Brazilian striker praised the quality and depth of City's squad. After Klopp left, he ran into Guardiola with the cameras capturing it.
Pep having a chat with Klopp post match [ @TWDTV1] #Pep pic.twitter.com/csTJcujF74
— The Pep (@GuardiolaTweets) April 10, 2022
Guardiola arrived and immediately congratulated the USMNT on qualifying for the World Cup. File this one under "things you love to see."
Pep congratulates United States Men for qualifying for the Workd Cup pic.twitter.com/8NpVnAHG9M
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 10, 2022
Klopp Reaction To 2-2 City Draw
"It was like a boxing fight... if you put out your arms for a second, then you get a message knock, and that's what happened to both teams."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp describes the intense match against Man City.#MCILIV | #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/2ikpqHcZke— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 10, 2022
Guardiola Reaction To 2-2 Liverpool Draw
.@ManCityUS manager Pep Guardiola shared how proud he was with his club's performance against Liverpool. #MCILIV | MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/yWGBj5VJQ7
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 10, 2022