Pep Guardiola is not going through his best moment either in sports or off the field. That gesture raising six fingers in front of the Anfield fans, in reference to the six Premier Leagues he has won with the Manchester Citycontinues to give something to talk about in English football. That moment, loaded with symbolism, generated great controversy and sparked comparisons with José Mourinho, a parallel that, apparently, was not to the liking of the Catalan coach.
During a subsequent press conference, a journalist did not hesitate to question Guardiola about that gesture, which many interpreted as a provocation towards the fans of the club. Liverpool. “Taking into account what happened at Anfield and your somewhat ironic response to the fans… Was it a coup?” said the reporter. Surprised by the question, Guardiola He responded with “Excuse me?”, without understanding what he meant. “Well, you addressed the stands reminding them about the six leagues you have won,” the journalist explained. To which the coach Manchester City responded with a brief and clear statement: “Yes, we have won six.”
The journalist then addressed another topic, pointing out that some had interpreted his gesture as an indication that Guardiola might be losing his cool. “Many people see it as a sign that you are losing your peace of mind,” he noted.
Guardiola, without hesitation, replied: “I have never been calm. Do you know why it seems like it was quiet? Because we won. People who win tend to be calm, confident, and kind. When you don’t win, things change completely.”
Next, the journalist, wanting to go deeper into the comparison with Mourinhorecalled another moment in which the Portuguese had made a similar gesture, raising three fingers to remember the three Premier Leagues he had won at Chelsea. “I remember when Mourinho made that gesture when he arrived at Manchester United. Some have compared that moment to what you did at Anfield. Some even thought that that was a symbol of the beginning of his time at United,” said the reporter.
Guardiola, with a smile, responded: “I hope that is not the case for me. In the end, we are similar in that sense. But he won three Premier Leagues and I won six. But, well, in the end it’s the same, we are together in those situations.”
With these words, Guardiola He made it clear that, although comparisons with Mourinho are inevitable, he is comfortable with his success and his way of handling the stresses of football. However, his response leaves the door open to new interpretations about the Manchester City manager’s attitude and character in high-pressure situations.
