No way Jose is Pep the top man
AITOR KARANKA has taunted Pep Guardiola, telling him he’s lagging behind Manchester rival Jose Mourinho.
Middlesbrough boss Karanka’s words have spiced up today’s FA Cup quarter-final at the Riverside against Manchester City.
Karanka, who was Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid while ‘The Special One’ locked horns with then Barcelona boss Guardiola, said: “Jose is the best coach in the world.
“He has shown it at Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid and now United. Jose was the
best in Spain and he is still the best. Jose started the season with some criticism but has already won two trophies.”
Karanka also claimed Guardiola must win trophies here to prove he’s among the elite.
Asked if his fellow Spaniard has to win the title during his time with City, Karanka said: “Yes, I think so.
“He has shown he can win titles in Spain and in Germany and he probably thought he would do the same in England.
“But now I think he has realised that this is different football, a different league and how difficult the challenge is.”
The pair had a frosty exchange when Boro drew at the Etihad earlier this season and he admits they are not close.
“We don’t have a relationship,” he added.
“I never played with him in the national team but I know how good he is as a coach.”