In a war of words between two of football’s most decorated managers, José Mourinho has responded sharply to Pep Guardiola’s recent comments about their respective Premier League title records. The Fenerbahçe coach, who won three Premier League titles during his two stints at Chelsea, took exception to Guardiola’s remarks and implied that the Spaniard’s achievements may not have been as cleanly earned as his own.
The exchange began when Guardiola, in the aftermath of Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, reacted to taunts from the Anfield crowd. Liverpool fans chanted “you’re getting sacked in the morning,” prompting Guardiola to hold up six fingers—a reference to the six Premier League titles he has won with Manchester City since arriving in 2016.
Mourinho’s Response to Guardiola’s Dig
Mourinho, now coaching Fenerbahçe in Turkey, fired back on Friday. Speaking to Turkish outlet Hurriyet ahead of his team’s high-stakes clash with Besiktas, Mourinho defended his record and took a swipe at Manchester City’s ongoing legal troubles regarding alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
“Guardiola said something about me… he won six trophies, and I won three, but I won fairly and cleanly,” Mourinho remarked. “If I lost, I want to congratulate my opponent because he was better than me. I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 court cases.”
José Mourinho: “Pep Guardiola said something to me yesterday… he won six trophies and I won three, but I won fairly and cleanly”.
“I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 lawsuits”.
“If I lost, I want to congratulate my opponent”, says — via @MailSport. pic.twitter.com/kvW5j0DURl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 6, 2024
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss was referencing the charges brought against Manchester City for alleged violations of financial regulations between 2009 and 2018. City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and are defending themselves vigorously against the allegations, which include over 100 charges related to their financial dealings.
Mourinho’s comments come as City face continued scrutiny from the Premier League and other governing bodies. Guardiola has remained vocal in his defense of the club, stating his confidence in City’s compliance with financial rules, but Mourinho’s pointed remarks add fuel to the fire.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Reignited
This is not the first time Mourinho has taken aim at Guardiola or Manchester City. During his tenure at Manchester United, Mourinho joked that he could add another Premier League title to his collection if City were stripped of their 2017-18 championship, a season in which United finished second.
The rivalry between Mourinho and Guardiola dates back to their time managing Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. The two have often been contrasted for their differing managerial styles, with Guardiola championing a possession-based, high-pressing philosophy, while Mourinho is known for his pragmatism and defensive organization.
Guardiola’s lighthearted comment about Mourinho during a recent press conference also played on this rivalry. When asked whether he might face a similar fate to Mourinho, who was sacked by Manchester United in December 2018 following a 3-1 loss to Liverpool, Guardiola quipped, “I hope not in my case… he won three, I won six… but we are the same like that.”
The Financial Controversy Surrounding Manchester City
The backdrop to this war of words is Manchester City’s ongoing legal battles. In February 2023, the Premier League charged City with over 100 alleged financial rule breaches. These allegations span nearly a decade and include accusations of failing to provide accurate financial information, including details on revenue and player remuneration.
The investigation’s outcome could have significant ramifications for City. Potential penalties range from fines to point deductions, or even stripping the club of their titles won during the period under review. Guardiola has stood by his club, stating that he trusts the organization and would step down as manager only if it were proven that he had been misled.
Mourinho’s allusion to these charges—claiming he doesn’t want to win amid “150 court cases”—is a thinly veiled dig at both City’s success and the cloud of uncertainty surrounding it.
Mourinho’s Record in the Premier League
Mourinho’s Premier League legacy remains formidable. During his first stint at Chelsea, he delivered back-to-back league titles in 2004-05 and 2005-06, breaking records and setting new standards for defensive solidity and winning efficiency. His third Premier League crown came in the 2014-15 season, during his second spell at Stamford Bridge.
Despite his accomplishments, Mourinho’s time at Manchester United ended in disappointment. After finishing second in the 2017-18 season, his third campaign unraveled, culminating in his dismissal in December 2018. During that tumultuous season, Mourinho infamously held up three fingers to opposition fans, symbolizing the Premier League titles he had won—a gesture Guardiola mirrored with his six-finger salute at Anfield.
Guardiola’s Dominance and Future
In contrast, Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been marked by domestic dominance. Since taking charge in 2016, the Spaniard has delivered four consecutive Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and six Premier League titles. However, his success has not been without its controversies, with critics pointing to City’s financial backing and the ongoing investigations as potential blemishes on his record.
Guardiola and Mourinho’s rivalry has been one of modern football’s defining storylines. While both managers have enjoyed immense success, their frequent clashes, on and off the pitch, highlight their contrasting approaches to the game and their ability to command headlines.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester City prepare for their upcoming clash against Crystal Palace, Guardiola’s team faces the dual challenge of maintaining their title defense and navigating the ongoing financial investigation. Meanwhile, Mourinho remains focused on his Turkish league campaign, but his comments show that his competitive spirit and penchant for stirring the pot remain intact.
This latest exchange between the two legendary managers is unlikely to be the last. With both men still active in the game and deeply passionate about their legacies, their rivalry continues to be a captivating subplot in the world of football.
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