Pep Guardiola, usually known for his composed and humble approach, is now showing signs of distress, resorting to tactics more commonly associated with his former rival, Jose Mourinho. In a rare display of defiance, Guardiola used a six-finger gesture to respond to taunts from Liverpool supporters, referencing his six major trophies in seven years as a counter to their chants about him being “sacked in the morning.” This gesture, which he also repeated in front of Manchester City fans, seemed to be as much about defending his legacy as it was about responding to the mounting pressure he faces.
The move underscores the turbulence now consuming Guardiola’s mindset. As his team falters and struggles to regain its former dominance, the usually serene manager appears to be losing his composure. In this moment of vulnerability, he turned to the kind of bold, self-assured bravado that Mourinho became notorious for—something Guardiola had once dismissed with disdain. Though his six-finger salute came with a grin rather than Mourinho’s trademark scowl, the message was unmistakable: he was both wounded by the criticism and reminding everyone of his own exceptional achievements.
Guardiola has always preferred to downplay personal glory, often attributing his success to the quality of his players rather than his own genius. However, the current crisis—unlike anything he has faced in his 16 years at the top—has forced him to change tack. With his position now under intense scrutiny, Guardiola is invoking his past successes in a manner reminiscent of Mourinho’s combative style. The Portuguese coach was famous for drawing attention to his own accomplishments in moments of personal or professional crisis, such as his infamous three-finger salute to Chelsea fans in 2018 or his bitter post-defeat rants.
Although Guardiola’s job at Manchester City is far more secure than Mourinho’s was at Chelsea—his contract runs until 2027, and his legacy at City is firmly established—there is no denying the gravity of the current situation. With City struggling in the league and Guardiola himself appearing rattled, the image of the calm and confident manager is starting to unravel. Even he acknowledged the criticism, joking that he might deserve to be sacked, though it was unclear whether he was making light of the situation or genuinely overwhelmed by the pressure.
The strain is evident in Guardiola’s reactions to recent performances, particularly the dismal loss to Feyenoord. His engagement with the taunts from Anfield, something he would usually rise above, marks a notable departure from his usual demeanor. Instead of focusing on the future, he seems to be looking backward, reminding his critics of the silverware he has collected over the years.
This kind of self-reliance on past glories can be dangerous for a manager. Mourinho, for all his bravado, eventually paid the price for relying too heavily on his past achievements, notably at Chelsea, where his insistence on past titles did little to stave off his sacking. Guardiola is in a stronger position, given his incredible success at City, but his descent into Mourinho-esque tactics is a clear indication of the intense pressure he is under. If his team’s struggles continue, the man who once seemed untouchable may find himself facing the toughest challenge of his illustrious career.
