Ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend, we look at the times Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola have met in the time past. Both top managers have met on opposite sides of the dugout 21 times, with this Sunday’s meeting being the 22nd.
Manchester City are hosting this time but anytime both managers face each other, it is always a thrill to watch. Manchester United have recently been forcing their way back into games. Mourinho recently complained of their slow starts as he knows it would be harder at the Etihad.
United forced their way back into recent games against Chelsea, Huddersfield, Newcastle and away at Turin against Juventus in the Champions League. Against City, Guardiola would be better prepared to forestall such. Mourinho said he knows their luck would run out soon so he is keen on plugging the gap and avoid goals being conceded in the first place.
This game is already setting up to be one of the crucial games of the season. There is a lot at stake for both sides as City want to return to the top of the league table especially in the face of serious competition from Liverpool and Chelsea. Mourinho is looking at a Top Four finish minimum this season, so the points are important.
Mourinho lost his first two attempts against his Catalan rival but won the game at the San Siro eight years back. Inter Milan defeated Barcelona in the Champions League in one of the most special moments in Mourinho’s illustrious coaching career. Mourinho’smasterclass saw the second leg end 1-0 in Barca’sfavour, with the results sending them through to the final against Bayern Munich.
“The clash between Barca and Madrid at the height of controversies in El Clasico games in 2011 is another memorable game“ between both coaches. The Spanish Super Cup was at stake. It was tied at 4-4 on aggregate before a Lionel Messi goal just at the nick of time ensured Barca emerged winners. That was the game Mourinho appeared to put his hand in “Guardiola’s assistant manager’s eye“. There were three red cards as well in the final minutes of the game.
In 2013, both managers met with Mourinho at Chelsea and Guardiola at Bayern Munich. Spanish star Fernando Torres was on target for the Blues. Eden Hazard also scored but Franck Ribery and Javi Martinez ensured it was a penalty shootout. Romelu Lukaku lost his kick to hand Bayern the UEFA Super Cup title.
The clash last term when Mourinho delayed Guardiola’s title celebration is another memorable game. City were 2-0 up but Paul Pogba and Chris Smalling helped United to fight back and win 3-2 at the Etihad.
This week’s clash surely promises enough excitement.