Similarly, one could argue that, the duo Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola share a similar dynamic, having clashed during their El Clásico encounters in Spain and subsequently crossing paths again in Manchester.
They rank highly in the list of the most successful coaches alongside the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson. There has always been loads of respect between the two, but once in a while, a subtle dig is always sent out.
Like what fans believe happened after Mourinho guided AS Roma to another European final on Thursday.
The Special One masterminded another defensive masterclass to see off Bayer Leverkusen to set up a final against record winners Sevilla. This came just a day after Guardiola had equally qualified for his second Champions League final as Manchester City boss.
What Mourinho said about Guardiola
Mourinho, however, appeared to insinuate that his achievement was much greater than Guardiola’s, given the strength of the squads both have to work with.
The Giallorossi’ haven’t been the luckiest of teams as far as injuries are concerned this season.
“The only teams that do not suffer are those exceptional teams that they have on the bench €40million or €70million players.
If you look at City’s semi-final, they brought on Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez in the second half.
“If we lose four or five players then we suffer. That is natural. At Roma, we have players out injured and others who have not had transfer fees must come in. We invested €7million in the market and we are in the final. What we have done is extraordinary,” as quoted by the Mirror.
The comment opens up an interesting spectacle. Should both managers win their finals, the two veteran managers could meet in the UEFA Super League later this year.
Mourinho slammed for ugly tactics
Sports Brief also reported on criticism Mourinho received for his tactics against Bayer Leverkusen.
Roma frustrated Bayer Leverkusen in Germany to draw the second leg 0-0 and qualify on an aggregate score of 1-0.
At the Bay Arena on Thursday night, it was a vintage Mourinho performance. His side had zero shots on target as they defended resolutely for the entire 90 minutes.
There were also rampant cases of time-wasting, with the Roma players going down at intervals, much to the frustration of their opponents.