Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits it is strange to fight against Pep Guardiola for the Premier League title

Arsenal have had a meteoric rise to the top of the Premier League points table and they are now fighting for the title against reigning champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta who has done a fantastic job with the Gunners was once Pep Guardiola’s assistant and has learned a lot from the Spaniard. Arteta was a part of the City team that won two Premier League titles, two EFL Cups and an FA Cup.

Arteta revealed that it is strange for him to fight out Guardiola in a title challenge. “It’s a strange feeling,” said Arteta.”I want the best for him, genuinely, and when you are challenging with someone like this, something comes in between that,” he added.

Arteta shared that apart from going up against his friend, he always hoped that Arsenal would be competing for trophies against the City and is very glad that it is happening this season. “I always hoped that was going to be the case one day and it’s happening this season,” Arteta shared.

However Arteta clears that it is not going to change his friendship with his compatriot who will also be looking to guide his team to glory. But he cheekily also reveals that he would do it against someone else rather than Guardiola.

“That’s not going to change any friendship, the moments that we have, how important he is in my life, how important he is in my profession. We’re both willing to win and defend our clubs in any way and that’s always been the case since day one,” he cleared his stance against Guardiola.
“I would prefer to do it with someone else to be fair.”
While the Gunners are topping the Premier League points table, they will visit Manchester City for a FA Cup fourth round clash on Friday. This will be a great match to analyze things for both managers before they take on each other on 15th February and 26th April in the Premier League after their first clash got postponed.
Mikel Arteta guided Arsenal to the FA Cup title in his first season as manager in the 2019-20 season and will be eager to repeat that feat alongside winning the league title. “It is a competition that is very important to us, very attached to our club and history and will define a moment that is for sure,” added Arteta.
The Gunners have added some valuable reinforcements to their squad in the form of Leandro Trossard from Brighton and Hove Albion and Polish international centre back Jakub Kiwior from Spezia Calcio. The Spaniard will be hoping that both the players get into rhythm quickly as they desperately need the depth to do well and fight against these quality teams.