As the dust settles on the independent commission's verdict regarding Manchester City, the football world is reminded of Jurgen Klopp's memorable quip. In 2024, Klopp, when pressed on whether he would regard himself as a champion should City ever lose their titles, responded in classic Klopp fashion.
His reply was light-hearted yet pointed:
If you organise a bus parade — I’ll come! How long it takes is irrelevant to me!
The German's words have regained traction following the commission's findings on City’s financial infractions. However, it's important to note that there has been no decision yet regarding the stripping of titles from the Manchester club.
For Liverpool, Klopp’s former side, the seasons of 2018/19 and 2021/22 remain pivotal. In both campaigns, Klopp's men finished just a single point behind City in the title race.
During the 2018/19 season, Liverpool amassed a remarkable 97 points, but that wasn't enough to clinch the title, as Manchester City finished with 98. Nonetheless, the Merseysiders lifted the Champions League that season.
Fast forward a year, and Klopp’s men finally triumphed in the league, earning 99 points and finishing a commanding 18 points ahead of City.
Another tight contest occurred in the 2021/22 season, where Liverpool ended with 92 points, while City nabbed the title with 93.
The hypothetical relinquishment of titles to Liverpool remains just that — a theory. As it stands, the Premier League has yet to announce sanctions resulting from the investigation, making any talk of revisiting historic league results premature.
Nonetheless, Klopp's old jest has found new life, especially given how closely his Liverpool side has come to clinching the title in direct competition with Manchester City.
