Pep Guardiola plays a large part of his season this Sunday in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, coached by his former assistant Mikel Arteta. If the Spaniard did not wish to respond seriously on the nature of their relationship or on a possible quarrel, he preferred to point out that there were much more important issues on a global scale.
Asked at a press conference this Friday about his relationship with Arteta and possible dubious maneuvers by the Gunners, referring in particular to the “freezing of time” on corners, Pep Guardiola avoided the subject with a more global outing recalling the importance of conflicts and the “chaos of today’s world”: “Look at what is happening everywhere in the world. We are in the middle of chaos and no one lifts a finger. The world is going to collapse and we are there wondering if this or that team resorts to dubious maneuvers… There are much more important things than that.” A way for Guardiola to recall the importance of non-sporting political conflicts, as he already did last February for example, by providing his support to the Palestinian and Ukrainian victims.
>>>”How can we remain insensitive?”: Guardiola’s powerful speech, which tackles the general indifference to the victims in Palestine, Ukraine and in all current conflicts
Asked about a possible rapprochement with his former assistant, Guardiola joked with humor: “I don’t have time to go to London, and I don’t think he has time to come to Manchester with four competitions to play…”
On a sporting level, the Catalan technician was complimentary towards Arsenal: “They have mastered many aspects of the game after several years without a title, which gives them an advantage. They are united, they defend low, build their game well, have a lot of qualities and great fluidity. They are an exceptional team. It will be a good challenge to see where we stand.”
For Arteta: “There is no question of overtaking Pep Guardiola”
For his part, Mikel Arteta was also present in front of the press this Friday. He was keen to recall the influence of his former mentor: “There is no question of overtaking Pep Guardiola. In this profession, you are constantly learning and evolving. I had the incredible privilege of working with Pep for four years, as well as with this entire team and this extraordinary club.”
A relationship based on respect, which has evolved over time, particularly due to geographical distance and their sporting rivalry. If Arsenal are nine points ahead (and a game more) with seven days remaining in the Premier League, the Carabao Cup final could save a possible white season for Manchester City. Eliminated in the Champions League by Real Madrid, the Citizens have the opportunity to leave Wembley this Sunday with a trophy. Still in the running in the FA Cup, Manchester City players will host the Liverpool Reds in the quarter-final on April 4.
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