Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has tried to put a lid on his war of words with Jose Mourinho.
Guardiola had boasted that he had won six Premier League titles to Mourinho’s three after saying his antics at Anfield (when he put up six fingers) were similar to the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager. Mourinho then responded that his titles were won “clean and fairly” which was a reference to City’s 115 charges for breaching FFP rules. When speaking about the exchange on Friday afternoon, Guardiola said:
“If I’ve offended him, I’m so sorry. But it was a joke. The fact is he has three, I have six. These are the facts. It was a joke.”
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“But he’s another on the huge list that wants the team in League One or Conference. But I’d say to Jose; we’re innocent until proven guilty. After that, we’ll see what happens. But it was completely a joke.”
Guardiola makes another claim about Mourinho
Despite offering an apology, the City head coach could not help but aim another accusation towards the Fenerbahce head coach.
Guardiola said that Mourinho “wants” to see City relegated and that references comments the Portuguese made back in October when he said he still holds out hope that his United team (who finished 2nd in 2018) could be rewarded the Premier League title if the Cityzens are stripped of their trophies.
City’s case could be wrapped up by Christmas
As Guardiola points out, the Premier League champions are “innocent until proven guilty” but we may find out the verdict before the end of the month.
Reports suggest that both City and the Premier League lawyers have been asked to give closing arguments, so fans won’t have to wait long before a decision on the charges is made public.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here