Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola starts the mind games and aims ‘long ball’ jibe at Manchester United and Jose Mourinho
Pep has accused Mourinho of launching long balls to Maroune Fellaini and Paul Pogba while Chelsea and Tottenham want to get the ball down and play
MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has taken a cheeky swipe at neighbours Manchester United's style of play, claiming they hit “long balls”.
The Spanish coach and disciple Johan Cruyff’s brand of football could not resist having a dig at Jose Mourinho as the pair go head-to-head in the title race.
City and United have identical records in the Premier League, but that’s where the similarities end as far as the Catalan boss is concerned.
Guardiola was discussing the fast and furious pace of the English top flight and the emphasis on winning second balls was holding back the national team.
He told the BBC Premier League show: “I don’t think so.
"You see for example you see the national team, Dier, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Henderson, Lallana - these are players who have the quality to play.
"I see Chelsea, I see Tottenham, they want to play, they like to play, and build up, so when United play long balls, second balls they play to Fellaini and Pogba after they have the quality to play."
"I have a lot of respect for my neighbours."
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His comments have not gone down well in the red half of the city as United fans take to social media to defend the Special One.
Andy Birket @HBRed99 said on Twitter: Pep having a little dig at #United on #ThePremierLeagueshow saying we play the long ball game!! “Cheer up Guardiola…..”
littledigt #United on #ThePremierLeagueShow via @BBCTwo saying we play the long ball game!! "Cheer up Guardiola......."
Guardiola and City face a stern test of their title credentials when the visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening to face champions Chelsea.
While United could got three points clear if they beat Crystal Palace at Old Trafford a few hours earlier.
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