Guardiola calls for Arteta to “be more clear” after Arsenal manager hints at insider knowledge.
Pep Guardiola has urged Mikel Arteta to clarify his cryptic remarks made following Arsenal’s contentious draw against Manchester City. Arteta, who worked under Guardiola at City from 2016 to 2019, claimed he has “all the information” about City, fueling speculation about what he was referring to, particularly as City faces over 100 financial charges.
In response to City players’ complaints about Arsenal’s tactics, Arteta said, “I have all the information. So I know. Believe me.” These comments have unsettled Guardiola, who addressed the situation in a recent press conference, challenging Arteta to be more specific. “Next time, Mikel has to be more clear. He said he knows what happened here. What does he mean by that?” Guardiola stated.
When asked if he felt betrayed by his former assistant, Guardiola dismissed the idea but added, “Hopefully, someone asks him exactly what he meant. He should be more precise instead of leaving things in the clouds.”
Guardiola confirmed that he has no intention of seeking clarification privately, having already exchanged texts with Arteta post-match.
The tension between the two managers comes as emotions flared during the match, with City striker Erling Haaland taunting Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães after John Stones’ equalizer. Haaland’s actions, which included bouncing the ball off Gabriel’s head, were labeled “provocative” by the defender, who likened the game to a “battle” and “war.”
Guardiola supported Haaland’s actions, acknowledging the intensity of the rivalry between the two clubs. “Gabriel said it perfectly: ‘This is a war,’” Guardiola noted, suggesting the physical and emotional intensity is part of football’s competitive nature.
Despite the escalating rivalry, Arteta downplayed any lasting impact on his personal relationship with Guardiola. “I love him, I respect him, and I admire everything he does,” Arteta said, insisting their friendship remains intact despite the fierce on-field competition.
Arteta also brushed off criticism from pundit Roy Keane about Arsenal’s defensive tactics, while acknowledging that he does care about Guardiola’s opinion of him. “The things you care about, you handle in the right way,” Arteta said, adding that he values his relationship with Guardiola and his former City colleagues.
As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming match against Leicester City, Arteta is keen to move past the controversy and is focused on addressing his team’s growing injury list. He also emphasized the importance of listening to players’ concerns about fixture congestion, adding that their voices “have to be heard.”
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