LONDON - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confident that fierce battles with Pep Guardiola will not change their friendship as both men battle for the English Premier League title and the FA Cup.
Arteta was Guardiola's assistant for three-and-a-half years at Manchester City before taking charge of the Gunners in 2019.
Since then, he has transformed Arsenal, who have not won a league title for 19 years but now lead defending champions City by five points and have a game in hand on Guardiola's men.
The two sides clash in the first of three meetings in the coming months in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday at the Etihad.
Asked about how he felt about going head-to-head with his fellow Spaniard in the league and FA Cup, Arteta said: "I always hoped this would be the case one day and it is happening this season.
"But that's not going to change any friendship, the moments that we have, how important he is in my life, how important he is in my profession.
"We're both willing to win, defend our clubs in any way. That's always been the case since day one.
This story is from the January 27, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 27, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Kindergarten in the 'heart' of Joo Chiat has stories to tell
Site was where notable political steps were taken by Goh Chok Tong and Teo Chee Hean
Over 800 speeding violations caught via red-light cameras in three weeks
Traffic Police’s activation of key function has expanded enforcement tools against violators
Many Ukrainian ex-POWs suffer lingering traumas
They have injuries from torture and sexual violence, but do not get adequate treatment
ICC preparing arrest warrants over Gaza war: Israeli officials
Warrants could name officials from both Hamas and Israel, including Netanyahu
China set to launch high-stakes mission to Moon’s hidden’ side
China will send a robotic spacecraft in the coming days on a round trip to the Moon's far side in the first of three technically demanding missions that will pave the way for an inaugural Chinese crewed landing and a base on the lunar south pole.
Weak yen keeps Japanese tourists at home while visitor numbers surge
Once renowned as avid overseas travellers, the Japanese are staying closer to home these days.
KFC shuts over lOO Malaysia outlets temporarily as boycott continues
Other US-based brands also face boycotts due to perceived Israel link after Gaza war
Apple tops ranking of S’pore’s best employers
Survey finds dissatisfaction with work-life balance a main reason why staff leave firms
200-room hotel facing Coney Island to be sited in Punggol Digital District
Punggol Digital District, an upcoming business park in north-east Singapore, is set to have a 200room hotel facing Coney Island.
Hearse carrying Audrey Fang makes detour past floral shop she ran
She left her job as a design manager to run the business after her mother died in 2019
