Tensions between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have reignited following a sharp exchange regarding their respective Premier League successes.
Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, recently emphasized his six Premier League titles during a gesture aimed at Liverpool fans after City’s 2-0 defeat at Anfield. This prompted a pointed response from Mourinho, now coaching Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
The incident began when Guardiola raised six fingers, symbolizing his title wins, as Liverpool fans taunted him with chants of “sacked in the morning.”
Reflecting on his achievements, Guardiola remarked, “I hope not in my case… He [Mourinho] won three; I won six, but we are the same like that. We are together in those situations.” He explained his gesture as a way to remind fans of City’s accomplishments, saying, “I want to prove that we are an incredible football club.”
Mourinho, however, took issue with Guardiola’s comments. Speaking through Turkish media outlet Sporx, he responded, “Guardiola said something to me yesterday. He won six trophies, and I won three, but I won fairly and cleanly.”
He added, “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 lawsuits.”
Mourinho’s statement referenced the 115 charges Manchester City faces for allegedly breaching Premier League financial regulations. The case, currently being examined in London, could lead to serious consequences for City, including potential relegation or significant points deductions.
