Jose Mourinho reveals 'love' for Pep Guardiola but insists he 'wants justice' in Premier League's battle with Man City over 115 alleged breaches of FFP rules

Mourinho and Guardiola have enjoyed a long and intense rivalry throughout their managerial careers. The two coaches clashed in Spain when Mourinho managed Real Madrid and Guardiola was at Barcelona. They came up against each other in Manchester too, as Mourinho took charge of United while Guardiola was at City.

The duo's rivalry has been back in the spotlight again recently with Mourinho aiming a jibe at Guardiola by claiming he won titles "fairly and cleanly" in reference to the Premier League currently charges hanging over the Cityzens. Guardiola has since hit back by pointing out his superior record when it comes to winning Premier League titles. Mourinho has now spoken again about the City boss and says he only wants to see justice served.

He told a press conference: "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 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. 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."

The Premier League hearing into Manchester City's 115 charges has now concluded and a verdict is expected in February 2025.

City are expected to face sanctions if they are found guilty. Speculation has claimed punishments could include the club being fined, stripped of their titles, docked points or even relegated from the Premier League. Mourinho has previously claimed Manchester United could be handed the 2017-18 title should City be found guilty after previously insisting that guiding United to a second-placed finish in that season was one of the best achievements of his career.