José Mourinho Demands Justice for Manchester City
In a press conference ahead of the sixth Europa League matchday against Athletic Bilbao, Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho seized the opportunity to comment on Manchester City’s situation. The English champions are facing a trial over 115 breaches of financial fair play rules between 2009 and 2018, and Mourinho expressed his desire for fair and equal justice.
“It’s not true that I want Manchester City to be relegated. But I do love justice in football. Small clubs are punished for exceeding their budgets by just a few euros, while the big clubs, financially speaking, seem to always get away with it. I experienced these rules with Roma for three years under severe restrictions. I believe the rules should apply equally to everyone,” stated the Portuguese coach.
The trial, which began on September 16, could result in severe penalties, ranging from point deductions to relegation. However, the final verdict will take months as the independent commission continues its deliberations after the hearings concluded.
Mourinho also addressed his relationship with Pep Guardiola, with whom he has recently exchanged public remarks. “There’s no problem between us. We were together for three years at Barcelona, and we both have deep respect for each other. Words are one thing, but feelings are another,” said the coach.
The Portuguese manager, who finished second behind City in the 2017-2018 season with Manchester United, made it clear he holds no grudge against the club or Guardiola. However, he insisted that rules must be enforced fairly for everyone, regardless of their size or financial power.
