Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is sad that his great rival Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Manchester United, but has tipped him to make a return to football.
Both Guardiola and Mourinho arrived in the Premier League in 2016 to much fanfare, with the media constantly talking up the rivalry between them.
However, it wasn’t a rivalry that really manifested itself during their respective times in Manchester, with both managers keeping it respectful off the pitch and Manchester United never really getting close to Guardiola’s City on it.
While Man City have maintained their sensational form from last season, United have regressed, and their 26 points from their opening 17 Premier League games has been deemed not good enough, with Mourinho being relieved of his duties.
Speaking after last night’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Leicester, Guardiola admitted that he was sad that Mourinho had lost his job.
“When it happens I am sad for the managers,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“When the situation is not good, we are alone. I am close with all of them. In football, it happens, but when the results are not good you can be sacked.
“Of course he doesn’t need me, he is so strong. I wish him all the best and soon he is going to come back.”
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