Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized that his friendship with Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola will not be affected by their title rivalry.
Following the 2-2 draw at the Etihad last Sunday, some City players criticized Arteta’s tactics, as the Gunners sat deep after Leandro Trossard’s red card before halftime. Players from both teams also clashed after the match.
Arteta, who worked under Guardiola at City before becoming Arsenal’s head coach in 2019, addressed their relationship during a press conference on Friday.
“I love him, I respect him, I admire him, and I admire his team and everything he does,” Arteta said. “This is sport. Our profession is one thing, and our personal relationship is another. If our relationship was damaged because of a draw or the times they’ve beaten us, I wouldn’t be talking to him anymore. But that’s not the case, and in sport, my personal relationships will never get in the way.”