Jose Mourinho has called for fairness amid the ongoing Manchester City case with the Premier League The current Fenerbahce coach, who had spells with Chelsea and Manchester United, took a swipe at Pep Guardiola following comparisons made by the Manchester City boss.
Guardiola ignited the debate, stating: "Maybe we are similar, but he won three and I won six."
This came after he demonstrated with his fingers the number of titles won during a loss to Liverpool, reminiscent of Mourinho's three-finger salute representing his title triumphs when he faced criticism at United.
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Mourinho shot back, emphasizing integrity in victory: "I want to win, but I want to win cleanly and fairly. If I can't win cleanly, I'd rather lose. He won six trophies and I won three, but I won fairly and cleanly. I don't want to win by dealing with 115 cases."
Guardiola responded by adding Mourinho as 'another one on the huge list' who would like to see City demoted. However, Mourinho counters that claim.
Despite their touchline confrontations in Spain, Mourinho admits to harboring a fondness for Guardiola from their shared Barcelona past. Nonetheless, he insists on justice being served should City be found guilty of any misconduct.
While the Premier League winners might get an indication of the direction of the 115 allegations by the end of January, final resolutions are not expected until the season closes.
Trainer Jose Mourinho (re, Real Madrid) mit Trainer Josep Guardiola (Barca)
Mourinho and Guardiola faced off multiple times in their career (Image: Pressefoto Ulmer\ullstein bild via Getty Images)
"Pep and I worked together for three years, we know we love each other," Mourinho stated, as reported by Turkish outlet Fanatik. "It is not true that I want them to be relegated, what is true is that I want justice. Small teams can sometimes be penalized by FFP when they exceed their limits.
"I also suffered due to the limits when I was at Roma. I don't think this is fair. We love each other, he knows it. Words are one thing, feelings are another. All I want is justice, but we have no ill feelings towards each other."
Earlier in the season, Mourinho hinted that he could be eligible for a bonus payment if City were to face punishment.
The former Porto manager led United to second place in the Premier League behind City in 2018. "As you know, we won the Europa League and we finished second in the Premier League,' Mourinho said back in October.
"I think we still have a chance to win that league because if they punish Man City with points maybe we win that league and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal!"