Jose Mourinho has insisted it “is not true” that he wants Manchester City to be relegated over their 115 charges for alleged financial fair play breaches. The case relates to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, during which time the Portuguese boss finished second in the Premier League to Pep Guardiola’s side when he in charge of Manchester United.
The 61-year-old has mischievously suggested that he’s not ruled out the prospect of United being belatedly crowned champions of England for the 2017/18 season, despite perceptions that the sanctions will be more geared towards fines and points deductions in future seasons.
But ehad of Fenebahce’s Europa League clach with Athletic Club tomorrow night, Mourinho has now insisted he just wants justice to prevail, and is not goading his old rival manager.
“Pep and I worked together for three years, we know we love each other,” he said. “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 when they exceed their limits by five-to-ten euros. I also suffered due to the limits when I was at Roma. I don’t think this is fair.”
He also claimed that his recent verbal jousting with Guardiola didn’t reflect the respect they have for each other, adding: “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.”
Mourinho however, will have to wait for any ‘justice’ to be served. A verdict on the case is now expected until 2025, with both sides expected to appeal if the outcome goes against them.
That could potentially extend the saga beyond the 2024/25 season, and would delay potential punishments. Guardiola has frequently reiterated he has full faith in the club, and last week responded to Mourinho’s jibes by pointing out their respective number of Premier League titles.
“He is another one on the huge list in this country and more around the world that want us at the bottom,” he said. “It’s ok, it’s fine. I’ve said many times, wait for the sentence and everyone, especially in a democracy, is innocent until proven guilty.
“We’ll wait and after we’ll see. The fact is he has three (Premier League titles)and I have six. This is a fact, but the intention was completely fine.”
City’s case was held at International Dispute Resolution Centre near St Paul’s in London. It started on September 16, finishing 12 weeks later last Friday, December 6.
