Pep Guardiola willing to have touchline bust-up with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

26 January 2023 , 22:30

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Pep Guardiola willing to have touchline bust-up with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Pep Guardiola has admitted he could clash with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - despite their close friendship.

Guardiola's Manchester City host Arteta's Arsenal in the FA Cup on Friday night, with both managers known for their animated and emotional conduct on the touchline.

Arteta, who was Guardiola's assistant at City for three-and-a-half years before taking over at Arsenal, has been criticised this season for his over-zealous behaviour towards officials. Guardiola, who can be equally passionate in the technical area, accepted the pair could have a bust-up because of their fierce desire to win.

“Anything can happen on the touchline in the moments of the game,” said Guardiola. “I taught him a few things, but this - it comes from himself, his mum and dad, his character and that was already there.

“I know Mikel and I had the feeling, during the time we worked together, that what he's doing, it's not fake, it's him. When we were in a training session and a game, he was always complaining about referees - and that was as an assistant coach. It is what it is.

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“So after that, I'm not a judge, everyone is everyone and sometimes I behave as well in this way. If we're going to fight on the touchline, it's going to happen sooner or later I guess, but it won't change the respect.”

Despite that respect, Guardiola acknowledged he and Arteta are now rivals and said the last time they spoke was at Christmas and New Year. “Merry Christmas and happy new year was the last time,” said Guardiola.

Mikel Arteta has been criticised for his touchline antics - but Pep Guardiola is ready for the fight (Getty Images)

“He's a rival, of course he is. Tomorrow he wants to beat me and I want to beat him. I know how we both are and in defeat we are not the best friends in the world.

“I have a huge respect for him as a person, as a manager. That's not going to change if we're going to fight on the touchline.

“Sooner or later it’s going to happen, I guess, but when that is going to happen, it’s not going to change the respect I have or anything.”

David McDonnell