Jose Mourinho has reignited his rivalry with Pep Guardiola by taking a pointed dig at the Manchester City manager.
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The current Fenerbahce boss claimed his Premier League titles were won fairly, unlike Guardiola’s, who is at the center of Manchester City’s ongoing Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges.
Mourinho’s remarks came after Guardiola made a symbolic gesture at Anfield, raising six fingers to signify the six Premier League titles he has won with City.
This move mirrored Mourinho’s infamous three-finger gesture during his time as Manchester United manager, a reminder of his league title triumphs in England. While Guardiola clarified that the gesture was a way to celebrate City’s achievements and motivate fans, Mourinho saw an opportunity to fire back.
Speaking to the press, he said, “Guardiola said he won six trophies, and I won three, but I won them fairly and cleanly. If I lose, I want to congratulate my opponent because he was better. I don’t want to win by dealing with 150 lawsuits.”
Guardiola defends Manchester City’s success
After City’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool, Guardiola addressed the media, emphasizing the significance of his team’s accomplishments. He dismissed any comparisons to Mourinho’s gesture during his United days, stating, “It was just to make our fans feel that what we have done is extraordinary.”
Guardiola expressed pride in City’s achievements, asserting that his focus remains on extending their dominance while building on their reputation as a football powerhouse.
Despite his optimism, Guardiola faces scrutiny as City’s legal battle over 115 alleged FFP breaches looms. If found guilty, City could face severe penalties, including relegation or substantial points deductions. For Guardiola, the ongoing saga remains a backdrop to his ambitions, but for rivals like Mourinho, it’s an easy target for criticism.
The impact of FFP charges on Manchester City
Manchester City’s ongoing FFP case continues to cast a shadow over their dominance in English football. The charges stem from alleged financial irregularities over several years, with accusations of inflating sponsorship deals to bypass FFP regulations.
The proceedings began in September, experts believe a verdict is unlikely until after the current season.
If the charges are proven, City could face unprecedented consequences. A points deduction could derail their title hopes, while relegation would tarnish their legacy under Guardiola.
For Mourinho, this controversy underscores the differences in how he and Guardiola achieved their respective successes. Mourinho’s direct criticism reflects his disdain for any perceived unfairness in the game, adding fuel to an already fiery rivalry.
