Mikel Arteta Dismisses Rift: "I Respect Pep Deeply"

Mikel Arteta has downplayed any feud with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, stating he “loves” and respects his former colleague. This follows tensions after City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal where Guardiola hinted at a “war” due to City players accusing Arteta of using “dark arts” to defend Arsenal’s second-half lead. Arteta having worked with Guardiola for over three years, responded by saying he had “all the information” on City which further upset Guardiola.

Arteta emphasized on Saturday that their relationship remains strong, despite outside attempts to damage it. “The feeling [of affection] is profound,” Mikel Arteta said, expressing his gratitude for Guardiola’s continued support. This came after Arsenal’s dramatic 4-2 win against Leicester, in which they scored twice in stoppage time. Managerial rivalries like Arteta and Guardiola’s are not new to the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho’s rivalry which started in Spain, flared up again when Mourinho managed Manchester United. Their relationship was often tense with Guardiola’s City often coming out on top. Another famous feud involved Antonio Conte and Mourinho, highlighted by a heated exchange after United’s 4-0 loss to Chelsea in 2016. Conte called Mourinho “a little man” in 2018, further deepening the rivalry.

Other notable clashes include Sir Alex Ferguson vs. Rafael Benitez with the latter cracking under pressure in 2009 and Ferguson’s infamous rivalry with Arsène Wenger which defined the Premier League in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Such managerial rivalries have shaped the Premier League, providing both intense drama and memorable moments.