Mikel Arteta seeks to defuse tensions with Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta worked together during Man City days.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hails Pep Guardiola amid reports of tension between the two. The Spaniard has worked with the Man City boss in the past. They are currently rivals in the Premier League. We saw how both have fought hard in pursuit of league title.

Guardiola told Arteta’s Arsenal to prepare for war amid the fallout from last weekend’s draw with Manchester City. The North London club responded with a 4-2 victory against Leicester.

While talking on the evening of Saturday’s fixture, Guardiola also urged Arteta to explain why he claimed he had “all the information” about the champions following his four-year spell there.

Arteta said: “I can repeat it, very clear. I love Pep. I admire him. And I have admired him since I was 10 years old.

“I respect him profoundly. I am so grateful for everything he did for me and continues to do with me. I consider him a friend.

“When I say that ‘I know him’, it is that I know how hard he works. I have not seen a human being who has worked as hard as Pep and the coaches and everybody at that football club to be consistently winning. And the reason they are there is because they maintain that hunger and this is what I have learned.

“I cannot be any more clearer than that. If you want, I can repeat it. But if someone wants to damage our relationship that is not in my hands. The feeling is profound, he knows it and the staff know it.

“Sport has to be about a will to win. They have it, I have it, we have it for sure. They have had incredible achievements because they have that mentality. Hopefully that is clear.”

I love Pep. I admire him. And I have admired him since I was 10 years old. I respect him profoundly.”

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