JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta said that if he failed to maintain his "great" relationship with Pep Guardiola amid the title race, it would set a bad example for the sport.
No wonder, Arteta refers to his relationship with Guardiola - which is full of competition - like tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
The two Spanish coaches first met at Barcelona's La Masia academy when Arteta was just 15 and later worked under Guardiola at Manchester City for three seasons before becoming Arsenal manager in 2019.
Manchester City and Arsenal have since become eternal title contenders. This season, the Gunners are at the top of the table, still six points ahead of the Citizens below them. They aim to widen the gap again when they face Brentford on Friday, February 13, 2026.
"We don't speak like with my wife every three days, but we speak in general."
"He spoke about his feelings and that's it. If there is a mind game, yes, there is a mind game, but I don't pay too much attention to it because in the end you have to get on the pitch and deliver results," Arteta said.
Guardiola last week named Arsenal the best team in the world despite not lifting a league trophy since 2004.
Asked about how some might find it surprising he could remain close to a rival like Guardiola, Arteta cited the Nadal-Federer era in tennis.
The pair won 42 Grand Slam titles during an era in which they dominated the sport.
"For me, the surprising thing is not (to maintain the relationship). I think it would be a very bad example for the sport."
"In sport, you have to learn and maybe the biggest lesson sport gives us is the relationship that Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have."
"I'm not at that level at all. But one of the best in history, or the two best sportsmen, the relationship they have between them when they have to play in the final, one on one."
"So, how could I not have a great relationship with someone I admire, who I've worked with, and is my colleague?"
"However, it's the same as any other opponent. When the game is on the pitch, it's for the winner," Arteta said.
Manchester City have attempted to narrow the gap by signing Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo this month in deals totalling £84m.
The addition of ammunition is none other than for the purpose of overthrowing The Gunners from the top of the English League standings and competing in three other tournaments (Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup).
Arsenal and Manchester City will meet in the Carabao Cup final on March 22, 2026.
"It's business. I know what they're going to do and what they've done for the last 10-15 years."
"Obviously, there's no surprises. They want to win and they'll do everything they can to win," Arteta said.
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