‘It changed’, Guardiola speaks on relationship with Arteta ahead of Wednesday cracker

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that his relationship with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has changed over the past three and a half years but insists that his affection for his compatriot has not diminished.

Arteta previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant coach at the Etihad Stadium for over three years before moving to Arsenal in December 2019.

Arteta’s first season as Arsenal manager was a success, winning the FA Cup and overseeing the club’s resurgence, putting them in contention for the Premier League title with Manchester City this season. Arsenal has not won the league since 2004, and this season is the first time they have been genuine contenders since 2008.

ALSO READ: Tottenham sack Stellini, Ryan Mason to take charge on interim basis

Guardiola acknowledged that their relationship has changed due to their different locations, but his admiration and respect for Arteta remain strong.

ALSO READ: Mauricio Pochettino emerges as favorite for Chelsea job

“It changed because he’s in London and I’m in Manchester, so we don’t see each other quite often,” the City boss explained.

“He’s busy, I’m busy, but the affection and the respect I have with him will remain forever, he knows that.”

On Wednesday’s huge game, he added: “It is a final against a team who have been the best team in England so far. They’re five points ahead of us and hopefully, all of Manchester that day will be blue and can support us. We need incredible noise from the first minute to the end.”

Should Arsenal manage to win at the Etihad Stadium, it would end the recent wobble of three successive draws that has opened the door to City and re-establish them as title favourites. However, if City win, they would cut the gap to just two points with two games in hand.