Arteta: Super League title race won't affect friendship with Guardiola

2023-01-26 10:48

Arteta: Super League title race won't affect friendship with Guardiola


Arsenal and Manchester City are close in the Premier League title race this season, but the north London club's manager Mikel Arteta says it will not affect his friendship with rival Pep Guardiola .


Former midfielder Arteta served as Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City between 2016 and 2019 before Arsenal appointed him as manager following Emery's departure.

Arteta's team After 19 games, they topped the league standings with 50 points, 5 points higher than the second-placed Manchester City who played one more game. The two teams will meet at the Etihad Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.

Asked how he feels about going head-to-head with Guardiola in the league and FA Cup, Arteta told reporters: " I've always hoped that one day it would be like this and this season it's happening.

" Obviously, it doesn't change anything about the friendship, how important he is in my life and how important he is to my career.

" We all want to win and defend our club in the best possible way. That's been the case from day one. "

Arteta: Super League title race won't affect friendship with Guardiola

very important game

Arteta, who led Arsenal to the FA Cup in 2019-20 , said Friday's victory would give his side momentum and boost their confidence.

" In some ways it will define our season, yes, because if we win on Friday we will go to the next round and they won't, " Arteta added.

" It's a very important game for us and winning will definitely define the moment because it will give us the chance to keep working hard and win this trophy.

" It's a big test for the best football team in the world in my opinion. I'm looking forward to it. It will tell us a lot about where we are. "