Jose Mourinho is more concerned with the conditions of the pitch than the derby match – The Special One says he hopes his players does not sustain injuries in the encounter – The former FC Porto coach stated that he has no problem shaking hands with Guardiola Jose Mourinho has played down the rivalry with Pep Guardiola as both Manchester teams clash in the Intercontinental Champions Cup.
The Portuguese tactician said that the match will be taken as a joke as the state of the pitch is a threat to his players’ fitness. Mourinho said that the condition of the Bird Nest Stadium is in a bad state as they clash with Manchester City on August 25th. The 53-year-old added that the outcome of the match is not his concern as long as his players come through without injury and get on the first plane back home to England.
Mourinho said: “The pitch is very bad and the pitch and condition of my players is more important in pre-season. The problem for me are the bad conditions to play and train. “My only objective is to take the players home safe and without injury. “These are no conditions to play a good game of football. “If it was a friendly it becomes a double friendly now. No injuries, play calm, play safe, go home and keep the preparation for next week.” The former Chelsea manager also dismissed any suggestions of having problem shaking hands with Guardiola when they both meet before kick off.
“Of course I shake his hand. Why should we have a problem? “We worked together in Barcelona for three years, we were opponents at other clubs but we are professionals and have a normal relationship, why shouldn’t we shake hands?” he added. Mourinho and Guardiola have always been at two opposing ends and the pre-season friendly renews their rivalry for the first time in 2013 as they will be going head to head in the 2016/2017 season in the Premeir League.