Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has drawn striking comparisons between his relationship with Pep Guardiola and the famous tennis rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, insisting that respect can coexist with fierce competition during the Premier League title race. Despite rising tensions at the top of the table, Arteta says cutting ties would send the wrong message.
Ahead of Arsenal’s game against Leeds United at the weekend, Arteta admitted that he still remains in touch with Guardiola, even as their teams fight for the title again. The Arsenal boss worked under Guardiola at Manchester City for three years and that bond, he says, has not disappeared just because silverware is at stake.
“I don’t talk (to him) like my wife, but we do,” Arteta said. “It would be surprising to me if I didn’t do it. And it would be a really bad example for the sport. The biggest lesson that the sport gave us was the relationship that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had,” he said.
“We’re not at that level. But they were two of the best in history, even if they had to play in the final. So how the hell am I not going to have a great relationship with someone I admire? But when it comes to the court or the field, it’s for the winner.”
Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola: Their relationship
Arteta and Guardiola’s relationship dates back to their time at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where they first crossed paths when Arteta was just 15 years old. A few years later, Arteta became a key part of Guardiola’s coaching staff at City before taking over at Arsenal in 2019. Since then, the two clubs have regularly battled for the Premier League crown.
City beat Arsenal in the title race in 2022-23 and 2023-24, but this time it’s the Gunners who hold the upper hand. With 15 rounds to play, Arsenal are four points clear of City at the top of the table.
Guardiola recently described Arsenal as “the best team in the world”, a comment that sparked discussion about potential mind games. Arteta brushed off the suggestion, saying he prefers to focus on what’s happening on the pitch rather than reading too much into words.
As Arsenal prepare to face Leeds United this weekend looking to protect their four-point lead, City continue to rely on their experience of winning six of their last eight league titles.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
January 31, 2026
