José Mourinho Clarifies Stance on Manchester City Charges, Emphasizes Desire for ‘Justice in Football’

Fenerbahce manager José Mourinho has responded to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s claim that he wants to see the English club relegated to League One, stating that his primary concern is “justice in football.” The Portuguese tactician, who developed a fierce rivalry with Guardiola during his time at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, recently reignited tensions by asserting that he won his three Premier League titles with Chelsea “fairly and cleanly.”

Guardiola had previously responded to taunts from Liverpool supporters by holding up six fingers, signifying the number of titles he has won at the Etihad. The Spaniard then suggested that Mourinho’s comments were motivated by a desire to see City relegated to a lower division if the club loses its battle against 115 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules.

However, speaking ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League match against Athletic Bilbao, Mourinho clarified his stance, saying, “It’s not true that I want Man City to be relegated. It’s true that I like justice, and many times small clubs are punished by going €5, €10 over budget and the rules for Financial Fair Play. For example, I suffered in Roma three years with great limitations about it. I don’t think it’s fair that the big sharks – when I say sharks, I say financial sharks — they always find a way to escape the rules.”

Mourinho, who has managed top clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, emphasized that his love for the sport drives his desire for fairness. “I’m just a football man, a man that loves football, more than being a professional football man I am very passionate, I just like justice in football. But apart from that, no bad feelings,” he added.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Juventus in Turin, Guardiola was not asked about Mourinho’s latest comments. However, Mourinho sought to downplay any suggestions of a new rift between the two managers, highlighting their shared history at Barcelona.

“In relation to Pep, let me say something — we were together for three years [at Barcelona],” Mourinho said. “I was an assistant and he was a player. I like him a lot and he knows that. He likes me and I know that, there are no problems between us. One thing are words and another thing is deep feelings.”

As Manchester City faces an uncertain future amid the numerous charges leveled against them by the Premier League, Mourinho’s comments have once again brought the issue of financial fairness in football to the forefront. While the Portuguese manager maintains that his desire for justice is not a personal attack on Guardiola or City, the ongoing saga is sure to remain a topic of intense debate within the football community.