Pep Guardiola Fires Back at Mourinho’s “Fair Titles” Dig: “It Was a Joke”
The Premier League is no stranger to drama, but the latest war of words between two of football’s most decorated managers, Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho, has taken the spotlight. The Manchester City boss found himself in the middle of a verbal sparring match after Mourinho made a pointed comment about winning his titles “fairly.” Guardiola, however, insists his remarks were all in good humor.
It all started when Guardiola, speaking after Manchester City’s recent win over Nottingham Forest, made a cheeky reference to his six Premier League titles compared to Mourinho’s three. When asked if he feared suffering the same fate as Mourinho—who was sacked by Manchester United in 2018—Guardiola quipped, “I hope not in my case … He won three, I won six … but we are the same like that.”
That comment didn’t sit well with Mourinho, who responded ahead of his Fenerbahce side’s clash with Besiktas. “I won fairly and cleanly … I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 court cases,” Mourinho told Turkish outlet Hurriyet, a clear jab at Manchester City’s ongoing legal battles over alleged financial rule violations.
Guardiola Defends His Comments
Guardiola, known for his calm demeanor, addressed the situation during a press conference on Friday. “If I have offended him, I am so sorry. But it was a joke. The fact is he has three and I have six, it is a fact. But the intention was completely fine,” he explained.
He went on to highlight the success both he and Mourinho have achieved in their managerial careers. “I think both with our teams—he with Chelsea, myself with Man City—we can sit at the table with Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, right? For the many, many titles we’ve won. I’m pretty sure sooner or later they will congratulate us.”
Guardiola also took the opportunity to address the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Manchester City’s alleged financial misconduct. The club is facing 115 charges from the Premier League for alleged breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018, accusations the club has consistently denied.
“We are innocent until proven as guilty. After that, we’ll see what happens, but it is what it is,” Guardiola said, acknowledging the widespread criticism aimed at his club. “There are many people around the world who want to see City at the bottom.”
Mourinho’s History of Taking Shots at City
This isn’t the first time Mourinho has taken aim at Manchester City. Back in October, the Portuguese manager suggested he could add a fourth Premier League medal to his collection if City were stripped of their titles. Mourinho’s Manchester United finished second in the 2017-18 season, and he hinted that the trophy could be retroactively awarded to his former club if City were found guilty of financial misconduct.
It’s worth noting that Mourinho’s former club Chelsea is also under investigation for potential financial rule breaches between 2012 and 2019. The Premier League’s scrutiny of financial practices has cast a shadow over some of the league’s most successful clubs, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga.
Guardiola’s Six-Finger Gesture
Guardiola’s playful side was also on display during Manchester City’s recent clash with Liverpool. The Spaniard held up six fingers to Liverpool fans, a gesture reminiscent of Mourinho’s infamous three-finger salute in 2018, which symbolized his three Premier League titles. Mourinho’s gesture came shortly before he was sacked by Manchester United, adding an ironic twist to Guardiola’s actions.
While Guardiola insists his comments were made in jest, the exchange has reignited the rivalry between two of football’s most high-profile managers. Both men have enjoyed immense success in their careers, but their contrasting styles and personalities have often put them at odds.
Key Takeaways from the Guardiola-Mourinho Feud
- Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, double Mourinho’s tally of three.
- Mourinho criticized City’s ongoing legal battles, claiming he won his titles “fairly and cleanly.”
- Guardiola insists his comments were meant as a joke and expressed respect for Mourinho’s achievements.
- Both managers have faced scrutiny over financial rule investigations involving their respective clubs.
As the Premier League season continues, the spotlight will remain firmly on Manchester City, not just for their performances on the pitch but also for the legal battles looming off it. Whether Guardiola and Mourinho will bury the hatchet remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the drama is far from over.
Originally Written by: Reuters
