Fenerbahçe Manager Jose Mourinho responded sharply to Pep Guardiola when the Manchester City manager emphasised how many Premier League titles he had won, saying his victories were earned “fairly and cleanly.”
After City lost 2-0 at Anfield last weekend, Guardiola gave Liverpool supporters the finger, referring to the six Premier League titles he had won as opposed to Mourinho’s three. This sparked the conversation.
The gesture brought back thoughts of Mourinho’s notorious three-finger salute to Chelsea and Tottenham supporters in 2018, which he made in his last days as manager of Manchester United.
“I hope not in my case,” Guardiola responded when asked if he may experience the same fate of being fired as United coach Mourinho. We are the same in that regard, even if I won six and he [Mourinho] won three. When those circumstances arise, we are united.
“As Liverpool supporters chant, “Sacked in the morning,” we want to let them know that we are much, far superior to those who sing that song.
“The gesture was intended only to convey to our supporters the sense that what we have accomplished is truly remarkable. I want to demonstrate our amazing football team. It will eventually come to an end, but I will do everything in my power to make my club the greatest it can be.”
Mourinho, who is currently in charge of Fenerbahçe, criticised Guardiola’s remarks. The Portuguese coach stated, as published on Friday by the Turkish publication Sporx, “Guardiola said something to me yesterday.” Although I won three trophies and he took home six, I did so in a fair and tidy manner.
“I want to give my opponent credit if I lose because he was superior to me. To win, I don’t want to deal with 150 lawsuits.
A direct allusion to Manchester City’s 115 accusations for allegedly violating Premier League financial regulations was made in the statements. The continuing legal actions have raised questions about City’s activities since they started in September.
The case was held at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, and if the independent committee finds the club guilty, it might have serious repercussions, such as relegation or a large loss of points.
Adam Lewis KC of Blackstone Chambers and Andrew Hunter KC of the Premier League were spotted making closing remarks this week.
The verdict, which should be rendered in the upcoming months, will establish if City broke the regulations and, if so, how severely.
