Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have reignited their rivalry with a public exchange of words, with the former calling for justice as Manchester City face 115 charges of alleged financial breaches.
The spat began when Guardiola raised six fingers toward the Liverpool crowd during his side's 2-0 defeat at Anfield, a gesture meant to remind them of the number of Premier League titles he has won as the Sky Blues' manager.
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In his post-match comments, the Spaniard referenced a similar act by Mourinho, who famously held up three fingers in 2018 during his Manchester United tenure to highlight his own achievements amidst mounting criticism.
"Maybe we are similar, but he won three, and I won six," the former Barcelona boss quipped, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
The former Real Madrid manager was quick to respond, delivering a sharp retort: "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 later downplayed the exchange, insisting his initial remarks were made in jest. However, he added Mourinho to what he described as a "huge list who want the team in League One or the Conference."
In his latest statement, Mourinho clarified his stance, dismissing claims that he wishes to see City relegated but reiterating his call for fairness.
Speaking to Turkish outlet Fanatik, he said: "Pep and I worked together for three years; we know we love each other.
"It is not true that I want them to be relegated. What is true is that I want justice.
"Small teams can sometimes be penalised by FFP [Financial Fair Play] when they exceed their limits by 5-10 euros. 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."
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