Thu Dec 05 00:10:07 UTC 2024: ## Guardiola Defends Six-Finger Salute, Rejects Comparisons to Mourinho
**Liverpool, England** – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended his six-finger gesture at Anfield on Sunday, dismissing suggestions it indicated a loss of composure similar to José Mourinho’s infamous “three-finger salute.” Guardiola’s gesture, directed at both Liverpool and City fans, followed a 2-0 defeat – City’s seventh consecutive game without a win.
The gesture, Guardiola insists, was a message to City supporters highlighting the club’s past successes, referencing his six Premier League titles with the club, a pointed comparison to Mourinho’s three titles during his time at Manchester United. He stated, “I was never cool. I was only cool because we won. When you don’t win, it’s completely the opposite.” He added that he hopes his gesture doesn’t foreshadow the end of his City tenure, unlike Mourinho’s gesture which preceded his dismissal from United.
Guardiola also addressed criticism surrounding his management of Kevin De Bruyne, whose late substitution in the Liverpool match fueled speculation of a rift between the two. Guardiola vehemently denied any personal issues, citing De Bruyne’s age and recent injury struggles as reasons for his limited playing time. He emphasized his desire for increased contributions from several key players, stating that improved performances from his squad, not just De Bruyne, is the key to turning City’s fortunes around. The manager stressed that injuries and lack of readiness among his key players, rather than any managerial disagreements, were responsible for the club’s current slump.
First Piper 