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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Aidan McCartney & Josh Challies

Jose Mourinho takes dig at Man City over 'tactical fouls' ahead of Liverpool clash

Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has spoken about Man City's use of 'tactical fouls' ahead of their clash with Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola has this week defended himself from accusations of tactical fouling after a playful jibe by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

After Guardiola had made comments about Sadio Mane and 'diving', Klopp suggested that Man City use 'tactical fouls' to gain an advantage over their opponents with several other bosses also critical of City.

One of those was Mourinho during his time at Old Trafford and the Portuguese has now given his verdict on the latest discussion.

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Speaking on Sky Sports, he explained: “In the end, I think the two managers did it in a nice way.

"They brought a bit of salt and pepper to the game, if you want to say that, but I think that in a very balanced way, I agree more with Jurgen than I do with Pep.

“I think the tactical fouls by City are obvious but I’m not being critical, I’m just saying something that’s very, very important to the way they play. The moment they lose the ball is the moment where they are a bit exposed, they have to try and recover and have the pressing.

“They have seconds to try and do it. Those Fernandinho fouls, especially when he plays as a number six, are very important.

"Mane diving, I think nowadays with VAR, players feel a bit ridiculous when it is a clear dive, so I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

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