Pep Guardiola opens up on 'incredible' relationship with Mikel Arteta

Pep Guardiola was reportedly reluctant to let go of Mikel Arteta after Arsenal board decided to sack Unai Emery. Emery's tumultuous time with Gunners was brought to an end late in November last year. While a number of names were mooted as potential managers to take over hot seat at Emirates, Mikel Arteta emerged as frontrunner after impressing Arsenal board with a detailed presentation of his blueprint for Gunners. Pep Guardiola was later asked about his relationship with Mikel Arteta.

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Pep Guardiola opens up on 'incredible' relationship with Mikel Arteta

Pep Guardiola's first season in Premier League grabbed helines all over world. Champions League-winning Spaniard was expected to instantly work wonders with an expensively assembled Manchester City side. In December that year, City lost to both Chelsea and Leicester. Manchester City were n slated to play Arsenal that month, just six months after Mikel Arteta left Gunners to join Pep Guardiola's backroom staff. That was when, according to Athletic, Guardiola decided to leave Mikel Arteta in charge of game against Arsenal. 

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Thus began a chapter in Pep Guardiola's 'incredible' relationship with Mikel Arteta. With now-Arsenal manager in tow, Pep Guardiola would guide Manchester City to 100 points in 2017-18. This was n followed by a 98-point campaign following season with Liverpool pushing Manchester City all way to Matchday 38 for title. Pep Guardiola has now revealed that he maintains contact with Mikel Arteta after his appointment at Arsenal. 

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Pep Guardiola reveals he is in touch with Mikel Arteta to dole out vise Arsenal manager

“It was an incredible relationship. He’s so excited, so happy, struggling because it is always not easy to take a team in beginning. But he is doing incredibly well, off and on pitch. He decided to move. For people I love, I always want best and he decided that. I wish him all best. He knows that.” - Pep Guardiola to media

Speaking in a pre-match press conference earlier this month, Manchester City manager said that pair are "in touch quite often by phone." Both Arsenal and Manchester City featured in Premier League action this week on Matchday 24. While Arsenal managed to effect a comeback and salvage a draw at Stamford Bridge, Manchester City got over 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace with a 1-0 win over Chris Wilder's impressive Sheffield United side. 

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