Mourinho’s Take on the 2018 Premier League Title
Speaking ahead of his current team Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash with Manchester United, Mourinho humorously brought up the possibility of receiving a Premier League winners’ medal from the 2017-18 season. He joked that if Manchester City were found guilty of the 115 financial charges and subsequently penalized, the title could be awarded to United.
“As you know, we won the Europa League [in 2017] and we finished second in the Premier League [in 2018],” Mourinho said. “I think we still have a chance to win that league because maybe they punish Man City with points and maybe we win that league, and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal.”
“We still have a chance of winning the [Premier] League, because maybe they punish Man City”
Jose Mourinho is still holding out hope for a Premier League winners medal with his old club Manchester United pic.twitter.com/FuvnVcQ6wT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 23, 2024
While his comments were light-hearted, the situation involving Manchester City is no laughing matter. The Premier League charged City with breaching financial rules between 2009 and 2018, and the independent commission dealing with the case has unlimited powers to impose sanctions. Should City be found guilty, the potential punishments could include stripping them of titles won during the period in question.
Manchester City’s Legal Battle
Manchester City has been under the microscope for allegedly violating financial rules over a period spanning almost a decade. These charges, which number 115 in total, cover issues such as revenue declarations, sponsorship deals, and their overall adherence to the Premier League’s financial fair play regulations. The club has categorically denied all allegations and expects a resolution to the case by early 2025.
The possibility of City being stripped of any titles remains speculative at this point. However, the sheer magnitude of the charges has left football pundits and fans alike wondering what the potential repercussions could be for the club and how it might reshape the Premier League’s recent history.
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Mourinho Reflects on His Time at Manchester United
In his exchange with reporters, Mourinho touched on his time as Manchester United’s manager, referring to his second-place finish behind Manchester City during the 2017-18 campaign as one of his notable achievements at Old Trafford. That season remains a point of pride for Mourinho, considering the formidable City squad they were up against.
Reflecting on his time at the club, he shared: “I wish the best to Man United since the moment I left. I left with a good feeling towards the club and with a good feeling towards the fans. If things are not going amazingly well for them, it’s not something that makes me happy.”
Mourinho also alluded to the fact that Manchester United’s current manager, Erik ten Hag, has been given the time and support to continue in his role, despite the challenges the club has faced this season. In contrast, Mourinho’s tenure at the club was cut short in December 2018 after just two and a half years in charge.
“They keep faith in the coach, they support the coach, the coach is staying season after season, and that means stability, it means trust, and they are giving him conditions to keep developing his job. That was different in relation to me,” Mourinho noted, subtly hinting at the lack of time he was given at the helm.
Fenerbahce’s Europa League Clash with Manchester United
Mourinho is currently managing Fenerbahce, and despite his focus on the ongoing Europa League campaign, he hasn’t ruled out a return to the Premier League in the future. Fenerbahce are set to face Manchester United in a Europa League encounter, and Mourinho acknowledged that it would be a difficult match. His team will need the backing of their 35,000 home supporters to have a chance against the English side.
He said: “We are going to try and we can do it, but there is a gap. We need the support of the fans, and we hope to make it a tough night for United.”
Interestingly, Mourinho revealed that he was unaware that he has never lost a home game against Manchester United in his managerial career. Although he has previously faced United with high-profile teams like Chelsea and Tottenham, this match with Fenerbahce represents a different challenge.
Mourinho’s Thoughts on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Departure from Manchester United
Mourinho also shared his thoughts on Sir Alex Ferguson, who is set to step down from his ambassadorial role at Manchester United at the end of the season. Mourinho has always maintained a good relationship with Ferguson, and his admiration for the legendary manager remains unwavering.
“He is amazing, incredible,” Mourinho said of Ferguson. “When my Netflix documentary comes out, you will know why I have so much respect. He has the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world, and that is more important than any role or money he doesn’t need.”
Mourinho’s Potential Return to the Premier League
Despite his current position at Fenerbahce, Mourinho made it clear that he hasn’t closed the door on a return to the Premier League. Known for his success at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, Mourinho is one of the most decorated managers in Premier League history.
“Sooner or later they [Manchester United] will succeed,” Mourinho stated. “Hopefully, it is sooner, hopefully before one day I go back to the Premier League and they become my opponent. At this moment, they are just my opponents for one match.”
