• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Pep Guardiola reveals the exact moment he knew Mikel Arteta was going to be Arsenal manager

Home> Football

Published 15:33 26 Jan 2023 GMT

Pep Guardiola reveals the exact moment he knew Mikel Arteta was going to be Arsenal manager

Pep Guardiola spoke about his former assistant ahead of Man City's cup tie against Arsenal.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Pep Guardiola has revealed what his ex-assistant Mikel Arteta used to do when Manchester City scored against Arsenal.

Guardiola and Arteta put their managerial wits against each other as Man City host Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday.

It will be the first meeting between the two sides this season, with two Premier League fixtures slated for later this year.

Advert

And ahead of the cup clash at the Etihad, Guardiola revealed what Arteta used to do when Man City scored a goal against Arsenal, in a sign he was destined to manage the Gunners.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, the former Barcelona boss said the ex-Arsenal midfielder would never celebrate a goal against his old team during his spell as Man City assistant.

"I said many times to my players and staff. I had many assistant coaches and I said I don't want anyone who doesn't agree with me. We felt if one team could offer him to be manager he would leave," he said.

Advert

Guardiola added: "It could happen one or two years before, it didn't happen. I am not a guy to say no you have to stay with me. Everyone has dreams.

"I know he went to his club, the team he dreams of. He's a supporter, for the fact he played there, he was a captain there. He loves the club.

"I remember when we were together here when we score goals, he jumps a lot and celebrates except one team. One team every time we score a goal, I jump, look back, and he was sitting there. It was Arsenal. It was that moment I said that guy likes Arsenal."

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta celebrate during their time together at Manchester City. Image: Alamy
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta celebrate during their time together at Manchester City. Image: Alamy

Advert

The Blues boss continued: "Like me, training here or Barcelona if I'm training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I will go. My club. I'm not a person to say stay here and sign a contract. People have to fly when he believes is the best.

"To players I said many times if they are not happy, they have to leave, life is too short. Especially players. Spend time in a place you believe suits you better, if it's a bad place or you don't like it, leave."

Arteta has worked wonders at Arsenal this season, steering them to the top of the table, five points clear of second-placed Man City.

Having won the FA Cup as Arsenal manager in 2020, the Spaniard will look to get one over his former boss in a bid to reclaim the famous cup.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Sky Sports

Topics: Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Manchester City, Arsenal, Football

Nasir Jabbar
Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

X

@NasJabbar

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Mikel Arteta responds to Pep Guardiola as Man City boss 'declares war' on Arsenal
  • Pep Guardiola has delivered a press conference for the ages by declaring war on Arsenal and Mikel Arteta
  • 17 Man City stars 'facing axe this summer' as Pep Guardiola eyes biggest overhaul in club's history
  • Pep Guardiola breaks his own strict managerial rule for first time ever after admitting he was unhappy

Choose your content:

7 hours ago
8 hours ago
10 hours ago
  • 7 hours ago

    Ex-Chelsea wonderkid tipped to be 'football's next big thing' announces shock retirement from football

    The player made seven appearances for Chelsea and was once compared to Eden Hazard.

    Football
  • 8 hours ago

    Alexander Isak 'cut price tag' revealed as Liverpool deal with Newcastle 'in play'

    The Newcastle United forward has attracted interest from several top clubs this summer.

    Football
  • 10 hours ago

    Xabi Alonso has found the new Luka Modric for Real Madrid and it could be the signing of the summer

    The Real Madrid boss could be set to replace the veteran midfielder, who will leave the club later this summer.

    Football
  • 10 hours ago

    Odds slashed on Lionel Messi's next club as clear favourite emerges after huge news drops on Inter Miami star's future

    Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Inter Miami.

    Football