(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Thu 26 Jan 2023, 9:38 PM
Last updated: Thu 26 Jan 2023, 9:39 PM
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Thursday said he was well aware of Mikel Arteta's quality long before he led Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, lauding the north London team for keeping faith in his former assistant.
Arteta, who captained Arsenal during his playing career, served as assistant to Guardiola at City from 2016 to 2019 before Arsenal appointed him as manager.
Arteta's Arsenal currently sit top of the league standings with 50 points after 19 games, five points above second-placed City who have played a game more.
The teams will face off at the Etihad Stadium in Friday's fourth-round FA Cup clash.
'I don't know my impact on him (Arteta) but his influence on me was so important to become a better manager,' Guardiola told reporters on Thursday. 'I knew it from when he was here (at City), his ability.
'The biggest compliment for Arsenal as well, because in the bad moments they trusted him and kept him. To do this, they had to support him, that's why you need time and investment. The results are there.'
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