Guardiola in disbelief at Arteta, Arsenal situation; names future Man City manager

Pep Guardiola talking to Mikel Arteta on the touchline

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his disbelief at suggestions Mikel Arteta could lose his job ahead of their meeting this weekend.

Arsenal have endured their worst ever start to a league season. They are pointless and goalless after two Premier League matches, though they did put six past West Brom in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Pressure has already mounted on boss Arteta.

The club’s fans have high expectations with this being his second full season in charge. As well as that fact, their summer spending has been plentiful.

But nonetheless, they have suffered Covid-19 issues and are still yet to field their strongest team.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s lunch time kick-off, Guardiola said in response to Arteta being under pressure (via the Manchester Evening News): “Two games. They have played two games, not 20 or 50. Sometimes I think the managers are crazy to do the job.

“They trust a lot in Mikel because they spend money to reinforce the team. Why we don’t give more time to build teams, the people who want success immediately, anything is for granted, you need time.

“The opinion we have here, we know what it is.”

Guardiola will be welcoming back his former assistant to the Etihad. The pair spent three years together at City as Arteta developed his coaching skills.

Since Arteta left to take the Arsenal job he has been defeated four times by his former ally, coming out victorious just once in the 2019/20 semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Arteta Guardiola TEAMtalk

City pair’s statues going up before kick-off

Away from tomorrow’s action on the pitch, statues of David Silva and Vincent Kompany will be erected outside the ground before kick-off.

“Decision for the club, for our chairman, big compliment to them for their exceptional career,” Guardiola added. “They help to be who we are right now.

“Hopefully David and Vincent and their families can be happy for this amazing gesture and I’m sure there will be more players in the future.

“They help me a lot, Vincent was an exceptional captain. Incredible leader, inspires many moments. I’m sure he will be a manager here at Manchester City, this is my wish.

“David was consistent when we won the Premier Leagues with 100 points and 98 points. He was a key player.

David Silva and Vincent Kompany celebrate for Man City, 2017

“A few players I saw so dominant moving in the pockets like him. He was leading through example not like Vinny with the wars. David was doing the way you have to be professional. I was grateful and honoured.

“My career is full of examples of being honoured to be coach for exceptional players and these were two of them.”

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