Pep Guardiola and other senior figures at Manchester City feel let down by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after his recent comments, according to the Times.
The Man City boss has been annoyed by the conduct of his Arsenal counterpart in the aftermath of their 2-2 draw last Sunday.
Arteta defended the Gunners from accusations made by Man City players about time-wasting and gamesmanship from Arsenal players during the fiery clash.
“No comment. I have been there before. I was there for four years,” Arteta replied on Tuesday when asked about the dark art claims made by Man City stars.
“I have all the information. So I know. Believe me.”
Guardiola and others at Man City were unhappy with the comments, and he demanded clarity yesterday.
“Next time, Mikel has to be more clear,” the Catalan said on Friday.
“What exactly does he mean? He said he was here for four years and we know exactly what happened here. Maybe it’s about the charges [made by the Premier League against City], maybe he knows information about that, or maybe it’s something else. I don’t know, really.
“I have a good relationship with him but hopefully this question has been asked. Then he can tell us what he means instead of leaving it up in the clouds.”
Guardiola ensured Man City did not stand in Arteta’s way when Arsenal made two approaches to make him their manager while he was still an assistant coach at Man City.
He comforted Arteta when Unai Emery pipped him to the job in May 2018 and approved his exit when he moved on in December 2019.
His departure was with Guardiola’s full blessing even though it was midway through the campaign, and Man City said nothing when former Arsenal managing director, Vinai Venkatesham, was seen outside Arteta’s house while he was still a Man City employee.
As a result, the Etihad Stadium club expected more from the Gunners boss, but it is clear to see that Arteta will always defend his club regardless of how it affects his relationship with his former employers.
He has always been Arsenal through and through and will continue to make his loyalty to the Gunners known.
