Pep Guardiola delivered a subtle dig at longtime rival Jose Mourinho as he addressed a viral gesture he made during Manchester City’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield. In response to Liverpool fans chanting “They’ll fire you in the morning,” Guardiola held up six fingers, referring to his six Premier League titles with City.
The gesture drew comparisons to Mourinho, who famously held up three fingers during Manchester United’s 2018 loss to Tottenham, a nod to his three Premier League titles, just days before he was fired as United coach.
When asked during a pre-match press conference if his act marked “the beginning of the end” like Mourinho’s, Guardiola highlighted the difference between their successes, pointing to his six titles compared to Mourinho’s three. The comment reinforced Guardiola’s confidence in his legacy at City, even amid recent difficulties.
“I hope not in my case…. He won three, I won six…. But we are the same. We are together in those situations. To let our fans know that we are much, much better than the people who sing that [Liverpool fans singing sacked in the morning]. It was [the gesture] just to make our fans feel that what we have done is extraordinary.
I want to show that we are an incredible soccer club. Sooner or later it will be the end, but I will try to extend as much as I can for the best of my club.” Guardiola said.
Despite recently signing a contract extension until 2026, Guardiola faces mounting pressure after a string of disappointing results. The absence of key midfielder Rodri, knocked out through injury, has exposed City’s defensive weaknesses, leaving them behind in the Premier League title race behind Liverpool and Arsenal. The jitters among fans are palpable as the defending champions look unusually vulnerable.
City’s clash with Nottingham Forest on Dec. 6 now becomes crucial for Guardiola’s team to regain momentum. The Spaniard’s ability to adapt and rally his players will be crucial to reversing their fortunes and allaying growing concerns.
While Guardiola has achieved remarkable success at City, his response to current challenges could define his long-term legacy. Fans and pundits alike are anxious to see if he can return City to dominance or if this season marks a turning point in his illustrious tenure. The pressure is mounting and all eyes are on Guardiola to deliver another masterful lesson in management.
Leave a comment