Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks on how title chase is affecting his friendship with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola
According to Daily Post, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized that his friendship with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola will remain unaffected by their ongoing title rivalry.
Following the 2-2 draw at the Etihad last Sunday, several City players expressed criticism of Arteta’s tactics, particularly after Arsenal opted to sit deep following Leandro Trossard’s red card at the end of the first half.
This tactical shift was a point of contention, as it allowed City to dominate possession and pressure Arsenal’s defense.
Additionally, players from both teams were involved in clashes after the final whistle, highlighting the intensity of their competitive relationship.
Arteta, who worked under Guardiola at City before taking over as head coach at Arsenal in 2019, is well aware of the challenges and pressures that come with competing at the highest level. When asked about the state of their relationship during his Friday press conference, he responded, “I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he does.
“This is sport. One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship.
“If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins or the amount of times that they’ve beaten us, I would not talk to him any more.
“So that’s not our relationship, especially the relationship that I consider both of us have. In sport it will never get in my way, a personal relationship, that’s for sure.”
Arteta’s comments reflect a mutual respect between the two managers, despite the fierce competition for the Premier League title. Both coaches have been praised for their tactical acumen and the attractive style of play their teams display. Under Guardiola, City has established itself as a dominant force in English football, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups, while Arteta has rejuvenated Arsenal, leading them to a strong position in the league and a return to Champions League football.
As the season progresses, the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City is expected to intensify, particularly with both teams vying for the title. Arsenal’s performance in crucial matches will be pivotal, and Arteta’s ability to navigate the pressures of this competition while maintaining his relationships will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will miss their upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle as the club continues to assess his recovery. “I don’t know when he’ll be back,” Guardiola said in a press conference. “Before maybe the international break, or after the international break. We will see…” Report by Fabrizio Romano.
Kevin De Bruyne, who suffered a hamstring injury earlier in the season, has been out of action for several weeks. While the Belgian midfielder has been undergoing treatment, City is cautious about rushing him back too soon. The extended absence of Kevin De Bruyne is a significant blow for Guardiola’s side, as he remains one of the team’s most influential players, known for his vision, passing, and leadership on the field.
Manchester City’s medical team is continuing to monitor De Bruyne’s condition, but no definitive timeline for his return has been set. Guardiola’s uncertainty about whether the playmaker will be fit before or after the international break indicates that the club is prioritizing a full recovery to avoid further setbacks. The Newcastle fixture is just one of several key matches City will face without their talisman.
Despite Kevin De Bruyne’s absence, Manchester City has managed to maintain their momentum in the league, thanks to strong performances from the likes of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Julian Alvarez. However, the creativity and control that De Bruyne brings to the game are irreplaceable, and his return will be eagerly a
nticipated by fans and teammates alike.
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