Pep Guardiola has asked Mikel Arteta for a clearer explanation about his recent controversial comments concerning Manchester City. Arteta, a former member of Guardiola’s team from 2016 to 2019, made his comments after a contentious game at the Etihad Stadium when questioned about accusations involving Arsenal’s underhanded strategies. “I’ve been there, for four years, I’m well-informed. Trust me.” stated Arteta.
Guardiola, while professing his good rapport with Arteta, was reported to be privately irritated with the comments made by his fellow Spaniard. When asked if he saw this as backstabbing, Guardiola advised Arteta to be more straightforward about what he meant. He affirmed, “Next time, Mikel needs to be more explicit… what does he mean exactly? He stated he was with us for four years…We need a clear understanding regarding the 155 [130] charges; could that be the context? Perhaps he has insider knowledge about that…I’m certainly not sure.”
Despite speculation that Arteta might have strategically made his comments ambiguous, Guardiola maintained that he had no intention of approaching him for an explanation. “We exchanged messages after the match, and that was it,” he said.
The aftermath of last Sunday’s match saw growing controversy and heated exchanges among players. John Stones’s goal for Manchester City was met with strife as Erling Haaland playfully threw the ball at the back of Gabriel’s head. Gabriel, a defender for Arsenal, later articulated that such antagonistic acts are to be expected in football, comparing the sport to a battlefield. Guardiola, responding to Haaland’s behaviour which included an altercation with Arteta post-match, simulataneously cautioned humility and mirrored Gabriel’s battle-hardened sentiments.
Guardiola commented in a press conference post-match that Gabriel’s likening of the sport to a war was apt. In his view, provocation is part and parcel of the game, and any repercussions would be expected. He expressed his comprehension of the arduous challenges Arsenal brings to the table, implying that these altercations must be viewed in the wider context of the sport.
Before Guardiola’s comments, Arteta had been crystal clear that on-pitch incidents would not alter his bond with his former superior. Arteta communicated his affection, reverence, and admiration for Guardiola and his team. He said, “This is sport. One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship.”
Arteta contended that if their relationship were dented by the outcomes of matches or comparisons of their win-loss records, they wouldn’t maintain their dialogue. But, he asserted that this would never jeopardise their personal rapport. Furthermore, he asserted that their personal connections would remain unaffected despite sport related rivalries.
Despite his confrontation with Guardiola, Arteta, whose team will welcome Leicester on Saturday, dismissed Roy Keane’s condemnation of his squad defending tactics as “prehistoric,” yet he confessed his concern about Guardiola’s perception of him. In response to a query about preserving their friendship amidst a variety of allegations, Arteta reasoned that only the ones holding truth would affect them. He further stressed the importance of maintaining your integrity in matters of principle.
Arteta voiced his preference for the heated competition with Guardiola and Manchester City, stating: ‘I prefer this reaction much more than someone clapping my back’.
People are entitled to their opinions, and being in my position, one must, understandably, tolerate that. There is nothing personal about this being the job’s part and parcel. It is crucial to handle things, that you have at heart, appropriately. My bond with many staff members and players, with whom I have shared significant phases of my life, is dear to me.
Arteta emphasised that he is relishing his fierce rivalry with Guardiola and City. Contrary to someone patting my back after applauding my team’s performance and progression, I favour this response. My profession provokes this uncontrollable emotion in me. For me, competing is the utmost importance, although others might react differently.
Arsenal is looking forward to the availability of their recent recruit, Mikel Merino, nest week to ease their growing injury issues. Arteta pointed out the necessity to address the players’ grumbles about playing excessive matches. “We consistently stand by the players while they express their concerns. Listening to them is our responsibility,” he said. “While I have my individual views on specific matters, the players, being the sole participants, must be paid attention to. Let’s see how things unfold.”