In a show of solidarity among managers in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager has sent a message of support to Mourinho, the current Manchester United manager.
Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s fixture against Celtic in the UEFA Champion’s League at the Etihad, the Spaniard was quizzed on Manchester United’s ability to qualify for the Champion’s League next season. Pep answered in the positive stating, “How they play lately, yes. United has the quality and the history and the players to be there. But it will not be easy.”
It was, in fact, pointed out to Pep that United currently lie 9 points behind them in the League, but that didn’t waive the Spaniard’s response as he reiterated that the manner in which United has been playing is bound to bear fruit sooner or later.
Pep was also questioned about the Aguero incident after the Argentinean striker made a horrible tackle on David Luiz which led to a lot of fracas among the players. The Spaniard stated that Manchester City wouldn’t be appealing the ban, stating, “We are going to accept the ban from the Football Association and work with other players for the games.”
Long Standing rivalry
In times of such turbulence, Pep’s show of support is indicative of the respect Mourinho has earned in football, irrespective of his histrionics. Over the years, the Pep-Mou rivalry has been well highlighted across football.
Both the managers were involved in a heated exchange of words and fiascos in the La Liga when they were in charge of Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. The tension that festered between the two leading clubs in the La Liga, in fact, was exacerbated by Mourinho as he time and again looked to unnerve his opponents through the media or by his own acts such as poking Tito Vilanova in the eye.
Since then there have been instances of Mourinho taking pot shots at Guardiola’s achievements even when the Spaniard was managing Bayern Munich and Jose was in charge of Chelsea.
Mourinho was appointed by Manchester United in the summer amongst much fanfare but over the course of the season, the script hasn’t gone to the Portuguese’s liking. Manchester United were again held to a draw this weekend, their sixth draw in 14 games and it has left Jose’s team with a lot of catching up to do if they are to entertain Champion’s League at Old Trafford next season.
