He is at this level in the Premier League because he is a top manager, says Pep Guardiola on Mourinho, his cross-town rival.
The rivalry between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho began in Spain in 2010 when the Portuguese was announced the new Real Madrid manager. In 2016, both the managers renewed their rivalry in Manchester, when Pep took over the blue side, while Mourinho succeeded Louis van Gaal in the red.]
Both the Manchester clubs finished in the top-2 of the Premier League last year, with Guardiola’s City lifting the title. There was, however, a significant 19 point gap between both the sides. Manchester City took off in the new season from where they left the last, while United’s struggles continue to push the club further down the league table.
Jose Mourinho’s performance at United has invited mixed opinions from the fans, and football experts are overtly critical of the Portuguese manager. Guardiola, however, has sided with Mourinho, stating that he has been through the same situations in the past.
“It’s our job, unfortunately. It’s happened to me in the past. As manager, our job depends on results,” said Guardiola.
“When we win we are good, when we do not win we are not good. It is simple like that. The important thing is to know the quality of the managers. I believe when they get to this level in the Premier League it is because they are top, top managers.
“Of course we are judged for the titles we get. If you have titles you can work, we have work. But I try not to judge [other] managers only on that. The history and what Jose did in all the places he’s worked… hats off.
“There’s no doubt about his quality. I never [doubted it] in the past and I don’t now.
Also read: PL 2018/19: Burnley vs Manchester United prediction
“But it’s not only the titles. I’ve won [titles] because I’ve won with amazing clubs and amazing players. If that did not happen, I would not have won the titles.
“There are many good managers that don’t win titles. They are excellent.
“A lot of managers are so good, it’s not necessary to win prizes because big players and good clubs sustain you, support you, are patient. Sometimes the managers cannot control it. That doesn’t mean they are not good.
“Only the players know exactly how you are as a manager. Because they see you every day and they have more information than the rest of the world – the fans, the media, everybody.
Manchester City will face Newcastle United in their fourth league game of the season, and Jose Mourinho’s side will take on Burnley.
