I am very grateful for everything Guardiola has done for me, says Arteta

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 02:56, 29 Sep 2024

Arsenal's coach dismisses the controversy after days of tension between the Londoners and the Citizens.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s head coach, took decisive steps to defuse the growing tension that had enveloped the relationship between his club and Manchester City.

The friction began in the aftermath of a thrilling 2-2 draw between the two teams the previous Sunday, a match that saw emotions run high and sparked some heated comments. While Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola made headlines with a fiery remark stating, "If the rival wants war, the Citizens will go to war too," Arteta chose a different approach to cool things down.

Speaking after Arsenal’s commanding 4-2 win over Leicester City in the Premier League, Arteta downplayed the brewing controversy, shifting the focus from conflict to appreciation. He took the opportunity to publicly express his admiration and gratitude for Guardiola, under whom he served as an assistant coach at Manchester City before taking over the reins at Arsenal. Arteta’s deep respect for Guardiola was evident in his measured and heartfelt response. "I have admired Pep Guardiola since I was 10 years old. I respect him deeply," Arteta began, setting a tone of respect rather than confrontation.

Arteta's relationship with Guardiola has long been one of mutual admiration. Having worked side by side at Manchester City, where Arteta was Guardiola’s right-hand man, the Spaniard credits much of his growth as a manager to his time spent under Guardiola’s mentorship. “I am very grateful for everything he has done for me and continues to do,” Arteta continued, emphasizing that despite the competitive nature of their roles, there was no personal animosity.

By highlighting the enduring connection he maintains with Guardiola and the Manchester City staff, Arteta sought to quell any notion of hostility between the two camps. "If someone wants to ruin this relationship, that is out of my hands," he added, acknowledging the outside forces that often try to stir up rivalries in football. However, he made it clear that his bond with Guardiola and Manchester City transcends the occasional on-field drama. "The feeling is profound. Guardiola knows this, and the Manchester City staff know it as well, because I continue to speak with them, as well as with the board and the owners. I talk to everyone."

Arteta’s comments reflect his maturity as a coach and his desire to keep relationships with former colleagues intact, even in the face of fierce competition. The Arsenal manager knows that football rivalries, while intense, do not need to spill over into personal vendettas. By choosing to publicly express his appreciation for Guardiola rather than escalate tensions, Arteta sent a message about the importance of respect and sportsmanship, especially between individuals who share a history of collaboration and success.

The timing of Arteta’s remarks, coming immediately after Arsenal’s 4-2 triumph over Leicester, also showcased his ability to stay composed and focused on the bigger picture, even as speculation swirled about potential friction between the two clubs. The Gunners' victory allowed Arsenal to maintain their momentum in the Premier League, keeping the pressure on their rivals at the top of the table. Arteta’s ability to balance the demands of a title race with the need to manage relationships off the pitch speaks volumes about his leadership.

Ultimately, Arteta’s calming words helped ease the tension between Arsenal and Manchester City, reminding fans, players, and the media that, while rivalries are a natural part of the sport, they don’t have to come at the cost of mutual respect. His admiration for Guardiola, both as a coach and a person, remains undiminished, and his approach to the situation was a masterclass in conflict management.

As the Premier League season continues, both teams will undoubtedly meet again in what will be highly anticipated clashes. But for now, Arteta has succeeded in restoring a sense of calm, ensuring that the narrative shifts away from off-field tensions and back to what matters most the football itself.