LONDON (AP) — Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta cited a friendly tennis match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as an example of why he can maintain a good relationship with Manchester City rival Pep Guardiola in an increasingly tense Premier League title race.
Arteta served as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City for three years, and the two managers praised each other during the title race between City’s title-winning sides in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
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With 15 rounds left in the Premier League this season, Arsenal are 4 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
Arteta said on Friday he was still talking to Guardiola.
“I don’t talk (to him) like my wife does, but we talk,” he said. “To me it’s surprising not to do this. It would set a very bad example for sport.
“The biggest lesson that sports teaches us is the relationship between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. We’re not at that level yet. But they’re two of the best in history, even though they have to play in the final. So how on earth can I not have a great relationship with someone that I admire? But when it comes to the court, or off the court, that’s for the winner.”
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer