Guardiola Praises Mourinho’s Role in Securing Man City’s Champions League Progress

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly thanked former Clasico rival Jose Mourinho, highlighting Mourinho’s unexpected influence in City’s automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.

Champions League Drama: Guardiola and Mourinho’s New Dynamic

Manchester City and Benfica, led by two of football’s most celebrated tacticians, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, have both made waves in the 2025-26 Champions League campaign. Their storied history as adversaries in Spanish football—Guardiola at Barcelona and Mourinho at Real Madrid—has evolved into mutual respect as their teams chase European silverware.

City clinched a top-eight position in the new league phase, ensuring a direct ticket to the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Benfica’s fate hung in the balance during a dramatic night at Estadio da Luz. Mourinho’s side, close to elimination, found salvation in the dying moments as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a remarkable 98th-minute goal. This late strike not only lifted Benfica above Marseille but also secured Manchester City’s place in the top eight, eliminating any risk of being pushed into the play-offs if Real Madrid had equalized.

Pep Guardiola Acknowledges Mourinho’s Tactical Genius

Guardiola, who watched events unfold after overseeing City’s 2-0 victory over Galatasaray, admitted that nerves ran high at the Etihad Stadium. Reflecting on Trubin’s goal and Mourinho’s decision to send the keeper forward, Guardiola said, “We were all watching and didn’t realize Benfica needed a goal to qualify. When the goalkeeper advanced, we questioned it—if Madrid scored, we would have been out. But Jose’s strategy paid off brilliantly.”

Guardiola also confirmed he plans to send a thank-you note to Mourinho, recognizing the dramatic intervention that kept City’s Champions League hopes firmly on track. The City boss added, “Yeah, of course I’ll thank him. His decision ultimately benefited us, and now we can focus on the next stage without the extra burden of a play-off.”

City’s Injury Concerns and New Arrivals

Despite the celebrations, City’s European campaign has not been without setbacks. Star winger Jeremy Doku suffered a calf injury against Galatasaray, adding to a growing injury list that has tested Guardiola’s squad depth. In response, City reinforced their lineup during the January transfer window, bringing in Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi to bolster their ranks.

Guardiola remains upbeat about his team’s performance amid adversity, saying, “I’m really pleased to finish in the top eight, especially given how competitive the Champions League is now. Years ago, the competition was different; today, every team presents a real challenge. Avoiding the play-off round gives us more time to prepare for the critical stages ahead.”

Haaland and Cherki Lead City’s Charge

City’s victory over Galatasaray saw Erling Haaland break his goal drought and Rayan Cherki contribute on the scoresheet. Cherki highlighted the team’s confidence after the win, telling TNT Sports, “We’re proud of our performance. Galatasaray are a strong team, so getting a result was crucial. Now we look ahead to the next challenges.”

He also praised Guardiola’s tactical flexibility: “All the players appreciate the manager’s system. It allows many of us to play to our strengths, and the results speak for themselves.”

Upcoming Fixtures: Maintaining High Standards

Manchester City’s demanding schedule continues, with a Premier League trip to Tottenham looming—a fixture that has often proved difficult for Guardiola. A Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle follows, with City holding a 2-0 aggregate lead, before a high-stakes encounter at Anfield against Liverpool.

As the season’s intensity builds, Guardiola is determined to keep his squad focused and competitive across all fronts, with Champions League glory a primary ambition.

Opinion: Mourinho’s Impact Goes Beyond Benfica

Jose Mourinho’s tactical acumen delivered more than just a lifeline for Benfica; it inadvertently bolstered Manchester City’s Champions League campaign. This unexpected intertwining of fates is a testament to the enduring influence top managers can have—even from afar. Guardiola’s willingness to publicly acknowledge Mourinho’s impact is a refreshing display of sportsmanship, and it underscores how the beautiful game’s narratives often extend well beyond the pitch. For more news and insights from the world of football, visit for more news.