...AND EVEN PEP AGREES
‘REDS BOSS IS WORLD CLASS’
Man City v Newcastle Etihad Stadium, 5.30pm
PEP GUARDIOLA has launched a passionate defence of bitter rival Jose Mourinho and insisted he remains a world-class boss. Mourinho is facing the most difficult spell of his time at United following his side’s woeful start to the season. They have lost two of their opening three league games for the first time since 1992 and critics have rounded on him, questioning his tactics and appetite for the job. Mourinho (left, with Guardiola) has taken offence to the stinging criticism,
insisting he is one of the best bosses in the game and deserves more respect – and Guardiola agrees.
The Manchester City boss said: “Of course we are judged on the titles we get, especially because if you won titles, you have worked.
“But I don’t judge the managers only on that. I judge on the CV, the history, the way Jose did it in all the places – hats off to him.
“There is no doubts about his quality. I won because I won at amazing clubs with amazing players. If that had not happened, I would not have won titles.
“There are many good managers who don’t win titles but are excellent.
“That’s why if with one side it happens a lot, it is because we have something special.”
Guardiola has seen City drawn in a Champions League group alongside Lyon, Hoffenheim and Shakhtar Donetsk.
The champions have been installed as favourites to win the competition for the first time but Guardiola warned: “The Champions League is tougher every season.”