Arteta responds to Guardiola’s criticism and clarifies his comments about Manchester City’s ‘dark tactics’

Mikel Arteta has responded to Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City coach demanded an explanation over comments made by the Arsenal coach following the recent match between the two clubs. Following the 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Manchester City, Arteta’s team was criticised for allegedly using “dark tactics”, which also provoked a backlash from Guardiola.

• Guardiola is demanding an explanation from Arteta over comments about “dark arts”
• Guardiola has suggested that Arteta’s comments may be linked to City’s investigation into 115 allegations of misconduct
• Arteta clarified that his comments related to City’s work ethic and winning mentality

Last weekend, after the match between Manchester City and Arsenal, The Gunners faced criticism for their tactics, particularly in the second half. This was after they played with 10 men following Leandro Trossard’s red card.

City players, namely John Stones and Bernardo Silva, accused Arsenal of stalling the game and dirty tactics when several Arsenal players went down and got themselves treated during a tumultuous second half.

But Arteta reacted to the criticism during his press conference on Tuesday, where he suggested City have similar tactics. “I was in Manchester,” said Arteta, who worked as an assistant to Guardiola before taking over at Arsenal. “I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know.”

Guardiola demands an explanation

At a news conference on Friday, Guardiola said he would like to hear a clearer explanation from his former assistant. “Next time Mikel must be clearer,” the City coach said. “It could be related to the trial on 115 charges, maybe he knows something more about it. If so, he needs to be clearer,” he added.

That statement suggested that Guardiola believed Arteta’s comments could allude to ongoing legal matters, including accusations City of Premier League financial breaches.

Arteta responds

The Arsenal manager was quick to respond when he explained his comments after Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester. “I love Pep, I’ve admired him since I was 10 years old,” Arteta said. “I have a deep respect for him and I am extremely grateful for everything he has done for me and continues to do for me. I consider him a friend,” he added.

Arteta further clarified that his comment “I know them” referred to how well he knows the work ethic at Manchester City, having spent four years at the Etihad Stadium as an assistant coach. “I know how hard they work there. I haven’t seen anyone who works as hard as Pep and his team. They have that winning mentality and that’s what I mean,” he added.

He further stressed that he had no intention of damaging the relationship with Guardiola and the entire City team. “If someone wants to damage the relationship, it’s not in my hands. The relationship is deep, Pep knows it and the coaching staff knows it,” Arteta said. “Everything I’ve learned from them is inspiring. Their achievements are remarkable,” he concluded.

Source: Premier League, Arsenal, X