“World’s Greatest Coach”: Mikel Arteta’s Unwavering Admiration for Pep Guardiola Despite rivalry in the Premier League

With the two teams competing for the Premier League championship, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remarked that his relationship with Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, “had to change.”

On Sunday, the teams squared off at the Etihad, with third-place City and top-place Arsenal separated by only one point.

For three and a half years at City, Arteta assisted Guardiola in his role as manager before accepting his first managing position at the Emirates in 2019.

Arsenal has improved under Arteta and is once again a serious contender for major awards, although they haven’t won the Premier League since 2004.

During his pre-game news conference, Arteta said, “It had to change,” on the evolution of his relationship with Guardiola.

“My feelings and affection for him haven’t changed at all. He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve encountered in football, and he’s the finest coach in the world, in my view. He’s undoubtedly one of the people I’ve laughed with and enjoyed working with the most. That will be there indefinitely. You’re going to have to adjust to the regulations as they now stand.

Under Guardiola, City hopes to establish history again by becoming the first team to win four straight English Premier League championships, in contrast to Arsenal’s lack of success over the previous 20 years.

In five of the previous six seasons, City have won the Premier League, and they are still on track to win the treble from the previous year.

“They have set new standards for this league and football in general that have never been seen before,” Arteta said.

The allure of this activity lies in its ability to push you to new limits and improve your skills. We’re trying to keep up with that speed, which you have to as well.

“This game is crucial for both teams. If we go there and win it, it will give us a tremendous lift once again.

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Due to injuries sustained while playing for England internationally, Kyle Walker and John Stones—two of City’s most important defensive players—will not be available.

Although Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal withdrew from their international call-ups, Arteta is hopeful that all three will be able to play on Sunday.

“There’s a possibility,” Arteta said. “They haven’t trained, but we have another session tomorrow, so maybe they can make it.”