Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has found himself embroiled in a “war” with Arsenal after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made comments about his time at City. The tension between the two teams escalated during their recent 2-2 draw, with Arteta being accused of employing the “dark arts.” In response, Arteta offered a cryptic reply that many interpreted as a dig at City’s legal battle against the Premier League for alleged financial regulation breaches.
Arteta stated, “I have been there before, I was there for four years. I have all the information. So I know. Believe me.” While it is unclear what exactly he was referring to, Guardiola demanded clarification from Arteta to avoid any speculation surrounding his comments.
Guardiola expressed his frustration by saying, “Next time Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means. He said he was here four years and knows exactly what happened here. That can be related to the process now with 115 charges; maybe he knows information about that? Or maybe he had something like… I don’t know? Hopefully this question has been asked and he can answer exactly what he means.”
The recent match between Manchester City and Arsenal was filled with animosity, as evidenced by Arsenal center-back Gabriel Magalhaes comparing their rivalry to “a battle” or “a war.” Responding to this statement, Guardiola declared, “You want a war? Now we war. Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, push them and at the end… you provoke me? Okay then, I’m there.”
The tensions between these two teams continue to escalate as both managers exchange words and challenge each other’s statements on and off the field.
