Pep warns his arch-rival: Past reputations count for NOTHING

PEP GUARDIOLA has warned arch-rival Jose Mourinho that his reputation alone will not be enough to save him at Tottenham.

Mourinho is under increased pressure and scrutiny at Spurs after three points from 12 in the Premier League and Wednesday’s FA Cup exit at Everton.

Guardiola and Mourinho, who had a bitter rivalry in Spain when they were at Barcelona and Real Madrid, meet again today at the Etihad Stadium.

Victory for Manchester

City will keep Guardiola’s men on course for a third title in four years, while defeat would pile further pressure on Mourinho, just 15 months into his reign.

And Guardiola said the unrelenting demand for success in the Premier League means managers who fail to win will ultimately be shown the door by clubs.

“We don’t have time here,” said Guardiola. “You have to win, get results and convince the players it’s the best way.

“It’s a process you have to prove every day. I understood from the beginning it’s not a job where you can stop, just because you won yesterday.

“There’s pressure every day on the manager’s shoulders. We’re in a weak position, we have to prove it every day. That’s why it’s fascinating.

“You have to be scared to lose, have warnings, enjoy it the day after or the night if you win, then be thinking about the next one.

“It’s the only way to survive in this business, to prove yourself and show again and again and again you’re able to stay here. If not, you will be sacked, for sure.”

Guardiola received the full backing of the City hierarchy, despite ending his first season in charge in fourth place and without a trophy.

That loyalty was vindicated, with City winning back-toback Premier League titles, as well as the FA Cup and three League Cups.

Whether Mourinho is afforded the same support at

Spurs remains to be seen, but Guardiola paid tribute to City for sticking by him.

“In season one here they supported me here when we didn’t win,” said Guardiola.

“In another situation, maybe I’d be out.”

While their rivalry in Spain was toxic, here Guardiola and Mourinho get on better, most likely because they have ceased to be direct rivals.

“I have a good relationship with him,” said Guardiola. “We can agree or disagree, but it’s not a big problem.

“His business is Tottenham, before that Manchester United, mine is City. We have to handle our own teams, so we don’t have time to know about the other club and we couldn’t care less.

“I prefer this, I don’t like being in the limelight. I enjoy doing my job.

“I’m not a manager to come out and say something bad about the other managers or clubs.”