Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sought to clarify his cryptic comments about Manchester City, which had sparked a reaction from his former mentor, Pep Guardiola. Arteta’s initial remarks suggested he had “all the information” on Manchester City, leading to speculation about whether he was referring to the Premier League champions’ 115 charges for alleged financial breaches.
Arteta, who spent several years as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, explained that his comments were not intended to imply any insider knowledge about the ongoing investigations.
However, following Arsenal’s thrilling victory over Leicester, Arteta addressed any perceived issues between himself and Guardiola. During a press conference, he reaffirmed his deep respect for the Manchester City manager, stating: “I want to reiterate that I have immense admiration for Pep. I’ve looked up to him since I was just 10 years old.
“I respect him profoundly. I’m so grateful for everything he does and see him as a friend. When I say I know them it means I know how hard they work. The reason they are there is because they maintain that hunger.
“My comments were not meant to suggest any wrongdoing or insider knowledge. I was simply referring to my understanding of their playing style and strategies, which I learned during my time there”. Arteta stated.
Guardiola, known for his meticulous attention to detail, had called for Arteta to clarify his statements, especially given the sensitive nature of the charges against Manchester City. “Next time, he has to be more clear exactly what he means,” Guardiola remarked. “He said he was here for four years and knows exactly what happened. It can be related to the 115 charges, maybe it’s about that”.
The 115 charges against Manchester City relate to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules over several seasons. These charges have cast a shadow over the club’s recent successes, and any insinuation of insider knowledge could have serious implications.
Arteta’s clarification aims to put to rest any misunderstandings and maintain the professional relationship between the two managers. “I love Pep and have learned so much from him. My focus is on Arsenal and our goals for this season,” Arteta concluded.
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