Mikel Arteta has insisted there is no rift with his former mentor Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
The two managers have enjoyed a close relationship, with Arteta serving as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City for four years. However, their relationship was briefly strained following a heated 2-2 draw between the two sides in September.
“I have been there for four years, so I know how competitive they are. They win and win again. That is what I meant,” Arteta said when asked about the comments he made following the previous encounter. “If there was a problem, we wouldn’t have been talking on the phone and messaging each other. If not, it wouldn’t happen.”
Guardiola himself played down any suggestion of animosity between the two, describing their relationship as “exceptional.”
The upcoming match holds significant importance for both teams. Arsenal, currently second in the table, are chasing league leaders Liverpool, while City are aiming to maintain their position in the top four.
Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes, with a new striker a priority. However, he remained coy when asked about reports linking Arsenal with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
“I’m very confident with the work the club is doing and exploring every opportunity that can have an impact on the team,” he said. “I don’t want to give any assurances. It doesn’t only depend on us, the possibilities are affected by three parties.”
The match promises to be a highly-charged affair, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory in the Premier League title race.
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