Mourinho Hits Back at Guardiola Over Trophy Claims Amidst City’s Legal Troubles
Pep Guardiola recently addressed comparisons with Jose Mourinho, reflecting on their achievements and defending Manchester City’s legacy amidst ongoing criticism. Guardiola remarked:
“I hope not in my case… He won three, I won six… but we are the same like that. We are together in those situations. To make our fans know that we are much, much better than the people that sing that [Liverpool fans singing ‘sacked in the morning’].”
Speaking about the challenges faced by City, Guardiola explained his gesture during a recent game:
“It [the gesture] was just to make our fans feel that what we have done is extraordinary. I want to prove that we are an incredible football club. Sooner or later it’s going to be the end, but I will try to extend [my stay] as much as possible for the best of my club.”
However, Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahce, delivered a sharp response:
“Guardiola said something to me yesterday. He won six trophies, and I won three, but I won fairly and cleanly. 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 comment alluded to the 115 charges Manchester City face for allegedly breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. The violations, spanning a nine-year period starting in 2009 after the Abu Dhabi United Group‘s takeover, remain under scrutiny.
An independent hearing on the matter began in September, with proceedings expected to conclude this week. However, a verdict is unlikely before spring 2025. Potential penalties, if found guilty, range from hefty fines and points deductions to relegation from the Premier League.
For now, the battle off the pitch continues as City await clarity, while the rivalry between Guardiola and Mourinho fuels further headlines.
