Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho had predicted Liverpool would win the Premier League title back in November and his claims have now been vindicated.
Before the Liverpool – Man City game in November, Vincent Kompany had claimed that Manchester City would overcome the deficit and beat Liverpool to the title once again.
But Mourinho explained that things have changed after Liverpool’s Champions League win. The Reds were European champions and they had the experience of winning under pressure.
He also added that a nine point gap (at the time) would be insurmountable for Manchester City.
Mourinho said back then: “But City was the best team (last season and in 13/14). When I gave you the title, you never told me thank you. When I gave you the title by winning here and you didn’t even call me to say thank you, you were the best team. They were not the best, they were there, they were almost there, but you were the best team, in this moment I don’t think there is that difference in power. Even in terms of statures, if statures play something. You are the champions of England but they are the champions of Europe. They know how to win, they know how to cope with the pressure, so for me, the game today is very, very important. Because if the distances are three points or six points, it is still very open, but if the difference is nine points, goodbye.”
Now Pep Guardiola’s men find themselves 23 points adrift of the Reds and Mourinho has been proven right.
Liverpool have not only succeeded under immense pressure, they have now mastered the art of grinding out results when they need it most.
It will be interesting to see how Manchester City bounce back next season.
Jurgen Klopp has now won two major trophies back-to-back and he will be looking to build a dynasty with the Reds.
