Mikel Arteta: Pep Guardiola and I could resemble Nadal and Federer
Mikel Arteta has stated that not preserving his “great” rapport with Pep Guardiola during a title competition would set a “bad example” for sports, instead highlighting the respectful rivalry shared by tennis icons Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
The two first encountered each other at Barcelona’s La Masia academy when Arteta was merely 15 years old, and he subsequently worked under Guardiola at Manchester City for three seasons before taking the helm at Arsenal in 2019.
City and Arsenal have since established themselves as consistent title contenders, with the Gunners looking to widen their four-point advantage at the summit when they take on Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday.
Guardiola referred to Arsenal as “the best team in the world” last week and has emphasized City’s experience in maintaining their performance, having secured six of the last eight Premier League titles, while the Gunners have not claimed the trophy since 2004.
When asked on Friday if there was a chance Guardiola was engaging in mind games, Arteta responded: “With me? I don’t think so. We don’t communicate like I do with my wife every three days, but we generally talk. He expresses how he feels, and that’s that. If there are mind games, then there are mind games, but I don’t focus too much on that because ultimately, you have to step onto the pitch and perform.”
When pressed on how some might find it surprising that he can maintain a close relationship with a rival like Guardiola, Arteta referenced the Nadal-Federer era in tennis, during which the two amassed 42 Grand Slam titles while dominating the sport.
“For me, the surprising aspect would be not to [maintain that relationship],” Arteta remarked. “I believe it would be a very poor example for sports. In sports, one must learn, and perhaps the most significant lesson we’ve learned is from the relationship that Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer shared.
– Champions League knockouts: Who could Premier League teams draw?
– Viktor Gyökeres eager to end Arsenal’s winless streak at ‘tough’ away fixture
– Thomas Partey: Former Arsenal midfielder criticized by Villarreal manager
“I am not at that level whatsoever. However, one of the greatest in history, or the two finest athletes, their relationship when they face each other in a final, one-on-one, so how could I not have a strong relationship with someone I admire, have worked with, and consider a colleague? But it is the same as with any other opponent. When it comes to the court, or the pitch, that is for the victor.”
City have attempted to narrow the gap by acquiring Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo this month in transactions totaling £84 million ($115m).
“That’s business,” Arteta stated. “I am aware of what they plan to do and what they have been doing over the past 10-15 years. Clearly, it is no surprise. They aim to win and will do everything possible to achieve that.”
Arsenal anticipates having William Saliba and Jurriën Timber available after their absence from the midweek Champions League victory over Kairat.
