Context: Arteta’s Cryptic Comment and Guardiola’s Response
The rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal took another twist when Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, made a cryptic statement following their recent match. The comment drew a response from Pep Guardiola during his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s clash with Newcastle.
Quote from Mikel Arteta:
Arteta: “I was there for four years. I have all the information. So I know. Believe me.”
Guardiola took issue with this statement, seeking more clarity on what Arteta meant:
Guardiola’s Response:
Guardiola: “Next time he has to be more clear exactly what does it mean. He said he was here four years and we know exactly what happened here, because it can be related in all the process now with 155 charges, maybe it’s about that, he knows information about that maybe. Or maybe he had something like, I don’t know, because really, next time I have to see more clearly exactly what happened.”
Guardiola added that his relationship with Arteta remains solid, despite the competitive tension:
Guardiola: “Next time, like a good relationship I have with him, hopefully this question has been asked. He can answer exactly what does it mean when he said he was here and I know what’s happening here, and instead of [speculation hanging] in the clouds to be more precise.”
Context: Guardiola’s Rallying Cry and Comments on Match Intensity
In the same press conference, Guardiola was asked about the aggressive moments in the match, including Erling Haaland’s collision with Thomas Partey. He seemed to play down the significance but hinted at the intensity of the rivalry.
Guardiola on Emotions During the Match:
Guardiola: “I would say that sometimes the emotions are so there, when you are, you know… Gabriel said it perfectly after the match: ‘This is a war, we have here to provoke the opponent, to push them’, and at the end, what can you do? So, we have to, okay, you provoke me, okay, I’m there.”
He continued, delivering a rallying cry for his team:
Guardiola: “You want a war? Now we war. So, what do I have to do? And after the motion, try the motion. I’m pretty sure he’s not proud, but listen. It can be read below. You analyse the situation and how long it takes.”
Context: Arteta’s Response on Dark Arts and Adaptability
Arteta, when questioned about Arsenal’s approach and the tactics used in the match, responded by addressing the notion of “dark arts” and the need for adaptability in football. He also reflected on influences from top coaches like Jose Mourinho.
Arteta on Dark Arts:
Arteta: “Dark arts. Is that language fair? I don’t know. It’s opinions and that’s it. But as I mentioned before, I think other things will be factors and that’s it.”
Arteta on Influences from Other Coaches:
Arteta: “More than influence, I think you learn a lot from other top coaches and you just try to understand why they have been successful, what really touches that team that makes it really special and very consistent – especially to win at this level.”
He also spoke about adaptability in football, stating:
Arteta: “At this level, and with the amount of games we are playing, you might have an idea, you think the game can go in that direction, but if it goes in a different direction, do you have the ability to adapt and be happy now playing that game? Because that is the level we are in.”
Context: Relationship Between Arteta and Guardiola
Despite the competitive nature of their matches, Arteta affirmed that his personal relationship with Guardiola remains unaffected by the rivalry on the field.
Arteta on His Relationship with Guardiola:
Arteta: “First of all, because I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he does. This is sport. One thing is our profession, another is our personal relationship. If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins or the amount of times that they’ve beaten us, I would not talk to him anymore.”
This restructuring provides a clearer organization of the ongoing rivalry between Arteta and Guardiola, highlighting the key quotes and keeping the narrative focused on their responses.
