Pep Guardiola does not normally make a habit of supporting rival managers but the Spaniard has spoken about Arteta being his title rival.
Arteta took over as Arsenal's manager in December 2019 after the team struggled under the previous manager Unai Emery.
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He has since built the team to the level of competing for the Premier League title with Man City last season.
Guardiola has spoken highly of his former protege and insists that he is his biggest rival in the title race.
Guardiola comment on Arteta
Guardiola has revealed for the first time why he pushed for his fellow Spaniard ahead of their Premier League clash.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Guardiola said, “I remember the game [August 2021]. We started off quite equal and then after one or two goals and Granit Xhaka was sent off, it wasn’t easy for Mikel.
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“I am not usually here to defend colleagues, we respect each other but we’re not friends, but with Mikel, it felt completely different.
“We worked together here for three years with a lot of success. I was pretty convinced about him because I saw his ideas and how he communicated with players.
“It is proof that when a club really believes in something and shows patience to the manager, it works’
“Sometimes you need time. People at the top of the club always have to look at what is being built rather than relying on short-term results to make decisions.
“They trusted him and now the results are here as a consequence. Now, Arsenal have a manager for many years. He knows the club, he loves the club. It is impossible to get better than that.
“And Mikel is a guy so demanding with the board, “Give me money to spend”. He has this talent too. He pushes everyone.”
City faces a big test this afternoon as they travel to North London to face title rivals Arsenal at the Emirate.