Jose Mourinho 'wants justice for Man City' and takes clear stance on club's relegation

Jose Mourinho has insisted it “is not true” that he wants Manchester City relegated following his 115 charges over alleged Financial Fair Play breaches. The case relates to a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, during which time the Portuguese manager finished second in the Premier League behind Pep Guardiola's side when he was in charge of Manchester United.

The 61-year-old mischievously suggested he was not ruling out the possibility of United being crowned champions of England late for the 2017/18 season, despite the impression that sanctions would be more focused on fines and fines. point deductions in future seasons.

But after Fenebahce's Europa League clash against Athletic Club tomorrow night, Mourinho has now insisted he just wants justice to prevail and is not goading his former rival manager.

“Pep and I worked together for three years, we know we love each other,” he said. “It’s not true that I want them to be relegated, what’s true is that I want justice.

“Small teams can sometimes be penalized by the FFP when they exceed their limits by five to ten euros. I also suffered from the limits when I was in Rome. I don't think it's fair.”

He also claimed his recent verbal sparring with Guardiola did not reflect the respect they have for each other, adding: “We love each other, he knows that. Words are one thing, feelings are one All I want is justice, but we have no resentment towards each other.”

Mourinho will, however, have to wait for “justice” to be served. The verdict in this case is now expected by 2025, with both parties expected to appeal if the outcome goes against them.

This could potentially extend the saga beyond the 2024/25 season and delay potential sanctions. Guardiola has often reiterated that he has full confidence in the club and last week responded to Mourinho's mockery by highlighting their respective number of Premier League titles.

“He is another member of the long list in this country and others around the world who want us to be at the bottom,” he said. “It's okay, everything is fine. I've said it many times, wait for the sentence and everyone, especially in a democracy, is innocent until proven guilty.

“We'll wait and see afterwards. The fact is he has three (Premier League titles) and I have six. That's a fact, but the intention was completely good.”

The City case took place at the International Dispute Resolution Center near St Paul's in London. It started on September 16 and ended 12 weeks later, last Friday, December 6.