There have been arch rivals everywhere – in every game – including soccer hence whenever two of them are facing each other at any platform, it becomes one of the biggest ties of the season and this is something that seems to be happening with Manchester derby to be played today evening at Old Trafford.
This game is actually important for two reasons: the traditional arch rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City and the age old rivalry between their managers Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola who have shared similar faceoff leading other two giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. For the same reasons everyone in English Premiere league is eagerly waiting to see how they deploy their army of world class players in the field to dominate each other. Looking at the so much hype over the managerial rivalry than the game, Mourinho refuses to accept that game is anything about his old clashes with Pep, perhaps he says it is the players who are important not the mentors who will guide them staying out of the field.
While talking about the City boss, he praised his quality to lead a high pressing side and recalled the days when they both used to lead other two biggest arch rivals of European soccer. Talking about today faceoff and his rivalry with Pep, Mourinho said in a press conference, “It’s a problem? You don’t need my answer. I don’t care about everyone else. Players, just the players. They are a very good team. Maybe since the new owners arrived at Manchester City, it’s a very good squad and team.
“They have had very good managers and have another very good manager now. They are what they are since I returned to England in 2013 — they are a title contender and you have to respect them that way.”
Adding about the emotional values attached with the game, Mourinho said, “I am normal. For us, it is a game and for me especially. We are playing to try and win the title. When you do this, there is no match more important than another one when it comes to this stage of the season. I know what a derby means for everyone. I’ve played derbies everywhere, in every country, in so many cities. I always want to be in the position of emotional control because for me it is just a game against a very good opponent.”