Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Premier League leaders Arsenal, has outlined why he doesn't desire a rivalry with Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, who is now in second position.
On Friday, January 27, Manchester City will play Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round. Arteta expressed his hope that his friendship with Guardiola won't be damaged by this season's inability to win a trophy.
He said the following today, January 25, during a news conference:
“It’s a strange feeling. I want the best for him, genuinely, and when you are challenging with someone like this, something comes in between that."
Before leaving the reigning Premier League winners to become the head coach of Arsenal in 2019, Arteta worked as Guardiola's assistant for three years.
Arteta added: “I always hoped [Arsenal challenging City for trophies] was going to be the case one day and it’s happening this season. That’s not going to change any friendship, the moments that we have, how important he is in my life, how important he is in my profession. We’re both willing to win and defend our clubs in any way and that’s always been the case since day one. I would prefer to do it with someone else to be fair.”
Arsenal have only suffered one loss in the league all season and is now five points ahead of City at the top of the standings.
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