Jose Mourinho praised Pep Guardiola while also declaring that he has a fully fit squad at his disposal ahead of the Manchester derby on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho appeared to be in a cheerful mood as he talked to the press ahead of the Manchester derby. The Portuguese manager was asked about the players fitness after coming from the international break and Mourinho was happy to oblige.
He said,“ Everybody is available. there are no injuries and everybody has returned safely and on time for at least one training session. Everybody is ready and wants to play, of course.”
“ At this moment, we have a completely fit squad, which is good, because nobody is really injured or out of the game. We are fine, we are ready, we are waiting.”
This is potentially good news for the United fans which coupled with the fact that Sergio Aguero is set to miss the Manchester derby is sure to give Manchester United’s hopes of a win over their neighbours a boost.
However, Mourinho was quick to add that the absence of Aguero could also have an adverse effect on his team’s chances as it could mean Guardiola is likely to tinker with the formation and may even go in with his much-famed false number nine tactic.
Mourinho was also generous in his choice of words for his Spanish counterpart as the Portuguese has been rumoured to be ready to bury the hatchet with Pep Guardiola, after a long-lasting feud and has been reported to be ready to offer the City manager drinks after the game.
He said,“ They have had very good managers and have another very good manager now. They are a title contender and you have to respect them that way.”
While on the other side of the fence, Guardiola was conducting his own presser ahead of the derby and was asked what he thought of his rival as well as what his answer is going to be to the proposition of sitting down for drinks with Mourinho after the game.
Guardiola highlighted that the rivalry was more a myth created by the media hype surrounding the two managers and while saying that he has massive respect for Mourinho, replied to the proposition,“ I’ll accept if he invites me.”
The two managers cut a friendly figure in front of the media ahead of the derby but one is fully aware that things might get ugly on the sideline once the game starts and the derby fever takes over the two managers. If the people had a fantastic time watching the two battle it out in the El Clasicos, just you wait for what is going to unfold in the Manchester derby.
