Mourinho Fires Back at Guardiola: “I Just Want Justice in Football”
It’s another chapter in the long-running saga between two of football’s most iconic managers. José Mourinho, now at the helm of Fenerbahce, has reignited his rivalry with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, and this time, the battleground is financial fairness in football. Speaking ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash against Athletic Bilbao, Mourinho addressed Guardiola’s recent comments and clarified his stance on Manchester City’s ongoing legal troubles with the Premier League.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Guardiola recently made headlines when he responded to taunts from Liverpool fans by raising six fingers, symbolizing the six Premier League titles he’s won with Manchester City. But the celebrations were clouded by the club’s ongoing battle against 115 charges of allegedly breaching Premier League financial rules. Mourinho, never one to shy away from controversy, weighed in on the matter, claiming he only wants “justice in football.”
“It’s not true that I want Man City to be relegated,” Mourinho said. “It’s true that I like justice, and many times small clubs are punished by going €5, €10 over budget and the rules for Financial Fair Play. For example, I suffered in Roma three years with great limitations about it. I don’t think it’s fair that the big sharks—when I say sharks, I say financial sharks—they always find a way to escape the rules.”
For Mourinho, this isn’t about personal vendettas or rivalries. “I’m just a football man, a man that loves football. More than being a professional football man, I am very passionate. I just like justice in football. But apart from that, no bad feelings,” he added.
Guardiola’s Response: A Subtle Jab
Guardiola, however, didn’t hold back when addressing Mourinho’s comments. The City boss suggested that Mourinho’s remarks stem from a desire to see Manchester City relegated to League One or even the Conference if the club loses its legal battle. “He’s on a huge list that they want the team [City] being in, I don’t know, League One or the Conference,” Guardiola said.
Interestingly, Guardiola avoided further escalation during his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s Champions League clash against Juventus in Turin. He wasn’t asked about Mourinho’s latest remarks, leaving the door open for speculation about whether the rivalry is truly reigniting or simply simmering in the background.
Mourinho: No Bad Blood with Guardiola
Despite the apparent tension, Mourinho was quick to downplay any personal animosity between the two. “In relation to Pep, let me say something—we were together for three years [at Barcelona],” Mourinho said. “I was an assistant and he was a player. I like him a lot, and he knows that. He likes me, and I know that. There are no problems between us. One thing are words, and another thing is deep feelings.”
It’s a fascinating dynamic between two of football’s most successful and outspoken managers. Mourinho and Guardiola’s history dates back to their time at Barcelona, where Mourinho served as an assistant coach and Guardiola was a player. Their rivalry truly took off during Mourinho’s tenure at Real Madrid, where he faced Guardiola’s Barcelona in some of the most heated El Clásico matchups in history.
Guardiola’s Future: No Club Management After City?
While Mourinho is busy making headlines, Guardiola dropped a bombshell of his own. The Manchester City manager recently revealed that he’s unlikely to manage another club team after his time at the Etihad comes to an end. Speaking on Dani Garcia’s Desmontadito YouTube show, Guardiola said, “I won’t coach another team. I’m not talking about the long-term future, but what I won’t do is leave Manchester City to go to another country and do the same thing I’m doing now.”
Guardiola hinted that a national team role might be in his future, saying, “Maybe with a national team, but that’s different. It’s not every day, every three days. But right now, no. I’m right here.”
Key Takeaways
- José Mourinho clarified that he doesn’t want Manchester City relegated but is advocating for fairness in football’s financial regulations.
- Pep Guardiola suggested Mourinho’s comments stem from a desire to see City face severe consequences if found guilty of financial rule breaches.
- Mourinho emphasized that there’s no personal feud with Guardiola, despite their history of rivalry.
- Guardiola revealed he’s unlikely to manage another club team after his time at Manchester City, hinting at a possible future in international football.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the Mourinho-Guardiola rivalry continues to captivate football fans worldwide. Whether it’s on the pitch or in the press room, these two never fail to deliver compelling storylines. Stay tuned, because in the world of football, the next twist is always just around the corner.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
