On Saturday, Middlesbrough host Man City in the FA Cup. This quarter-final clash will be tricky for both sides, as the home side lock horns with Pep’s in-form side.
Boro boss Aitor Karanka taunted Citizens boss Pep Guardiola ahead of their meeting by calling the former Barca boss’ talents into questioning. Karanka, a three-time Champions League winner with Los Blancos, feels Pep pales in comparison with former colleague Jose Mourinho.
The Special One is a former nemesis of Guardiola, a rivalry which dates back to their time in La Liga. Although it was Pep who won most of their clashesm Karanka – who was Jose’s assistant at the Bernabeu – feels the City boss needs to win the Premier League first before he can be compared to Mourinho.
Aitor said (as per the Daily Mail): “Guardiola is not the best coach in the world - the best coach in the world is Jose Mourinho.
“He has shown it at Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United. He was the best (in Spain) and he still is the best.
“I’ve never worked with Pep, but Jose started this season with some criticism, but he has already won two trophies for Man United. Jose is the best for me.”
Guardiola will not win the league in his debut season in England despite his wonderful start. A number of poor results saw them drop in the standings, and a 10-point gap between City and leaders Chelsea means lifting the title is out of the question.
Pep’s first meeting with Karanka in the Premier League ended in a 1-1 draw. Aguero and Co. will be keen on progressing, as the FA Cup might be their only shot at silverware this season.
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