Mikel Arteta has emphasized that losing his “great” relationship with Pep Guardiola during a competitive title race would be a “bad example” for the sports world. Instead, he highlighted the respectful rivalry seen between tennis icons Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Arteta first crossed paths with Guardiola at Barcelona’s La Masia academy when he was just 15 and later spent three seasons coaching under him at Manchester City before taking over as Arsenal‘s head coach in 2019.
Both City and Arsenal are now consistent title contenders, with the Gunners looking to maintain their four-point lead at the top when they take on Leeds United at Elland Road this Saturday.
Recently, Guardiola referred to Arsenal as “the best team in the world” and praised their ability to keep up, noting City’s experience in winning six of the last eight Premier League titles, while Arsenal last lifted the trophy in 2004.
When asked on Friday if he thought Guardiola was trying to play mind games, Arteta responded, “With me? I don’t think so. We don’t communicate as often as I do with my wife, but we do talk regularly. He shares his feelings, and that’s that. If there are mind games, so be it, but I don’t pay too much attention because ultimately, you have to perform on the pitch.”
In response to being surprised by his ability to stay close to a rival like Guardiola, Arteta drew a parallel to the Nadal-Federer rivalry, during which the two tennis stars won a combined 42 Grand Slam titles while dominating the sport.
“The surprising thing for me would be if I didn’t maintain that relationship,” Arteta remarked. “That would set a really poor example for sports. In sports, we must learn from one another. The relationship that Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer shared is perhaps the biggest lesson the sporting world has taught us.”
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“I’m not at their level, but those two are among the greatest athletes in history. Their relationship during finals, when they face off against each other, is a testament to how I should have a solid relationship with someone I admire, have worked with, and consider a colleague. However, when it comes to competition, it’s all about winning on the field.”
City have bolstered their squad by signing Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo this month for a total of £84 million ($115 million).
“That’s just business,” Arteta stated. “I’m aware of their strategies and what they’ve been doing over the past decade and a half. It’s no surprise; they want to win, and they’ll do whatever it takes to achieve that.”
Arsenal anticipates having William Saliba and Jurriën Timber available after they missed the midweek Champions League victory over Kairat.