Mikel Arteta Sends Classy Message to Pep Guardiola. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a dignified response to Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager expressed a desire to ‘harm’ himself.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has responded with a classy message to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after he made a controversial remark about wanting to “harm” himself following a recent match. Guardiola’s comment came after City squandered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League.
During the post-match press conference, Guardiola, visibly frustrated, mentioned that he wanted to “harm himself” due to the team’s performance. The comment quickly drew criticism and concern from fans and media. Guardiola later clarified that he did not intend to make light of self-harm and apologized for any misunderstanding.
Arteta, who has a close relationship with Guardiola from their time together at Manchester City, expressed sympathy for his colleague. “That’s something very personal,” Arteta said. “But I feel a lot of sympathy for my colleagues, I know the job, I know how ruthless this industry is and how we get judged by just one thing which is results.”
Arteta continued, “I know how difficult it is because personally I have been through that a lot and every defeat is super painful. Just put some perspective on it like we always do and move on because there is always another game.”
Ahead of City’s upcoming match against Liverpool, Guardiola posted on Instagram to further clarify his earlier comment. “I was caught off guard with a question at the end of a press conference about a scratch which had appeared on my face and explained that a sharp fingernail had accidentally caused this. My answer was in no way intended to make light of the very serious issue of self-harm.”
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings