On Sunday, Man United and Man City – the two top sides in the Premier League – will lock horns in a highly anticipated Manchester Derby. If fans needed something to spice up Sunday’s showdown even more, we have gotten it from Mourinho’s pre-match press conference.
The Portuguese boss met with reporters ahead of the weekend encounter and landed two blows on the club – one on the players, the other on its manager. Firstly, the Special One labeled the Citizens as divers.
Despite praising the league leader, Mourinho argues that Man City players resort to despicable methods in favor of winning. “If you ask me one thing that I don’t like a lot is that they lose their balance very easily,” the Man United boss said (as per the Sun).
“A little bit of wind and they fall.”
Mourinho did not stop there. The Portuguese tactician also took aim at Guardiola, a manager whom he shares history with from their days in La Liga. In Jose’s eyes, the Spanish manager is given preferential treatment by UEFA, citing the lack of punishment for Pep wearing a yellow ribbon – a pro-Catalan independence symbol – despite the organization’s disapproval of political messages.
“I’ve known Pep for many years, I think I know what Pep feels about his country. To have it in football, I don’t know the rules.
“If the rules allow us to do that, he is a free citizen to do it. But I am not sure if the rules allow any political message on the pitch.
“That’s just my doubt. But I know Pep, and I know his feelings like everyone else because he is public about his country.”
Guardiola has worn the yellow ribbon on the touchline and in press conferences without retribution. When asked if he would do something similar, Mourinho said: “I wouldn’t be allowed to”.
Man United hosts Man City knowing a win is a must in order to keep the title race open. Guardiola’s side enjoys an eight-point lead over Mourinho’s second-placed crew, an advantage that could increase to 11 points if Lukaku and Co. loses.
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