Mikel Arteta Defuses Tensions with Pep Guardiola

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sought to diffuse tensions with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, emphasizing his deep admiration and respect for his former mentor. Following a heated 2-2 draw between the teams last weekend, Guardiola responded to Arteta's comments about having 'all the information' on City, which sparked accusations of 'dark arts' from City players. Arteta reiterated his gratitude for Guardiola's influence on his career, stating that he considers him a friend and credits him for his work ethic and success. The Gunners recently secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Leicester, further fueling optimism within the club. Arteta acknowledged the competitive nature of their relationship but insisted that personal feelings remain intact despite the rivalry. He stressed that both he and Guardiola share a profound commitment to winning, which should be the focus of their respective teams.