October 8th 2023.
Pep Guardiola has expressed his thoughts on Arsenal's spending spree compared to Manchester City's. The two Spaniards will face off this Sunday in a highly anticipated match at the Emirates.
Guardiola believes that City's spending has been heavily scrutinized while Arsenal's has gone relatively unnoticed. Arteta has brought in Declan Rice in a £105million deal from West Ham and Kai Havertz, David Raya, and Jurrien Timber to strengthen the squad and close the gap between them and City.
Despite being aware of the difference of treatment, Guardiola stated, "Normally when Manchester City bought these kind of [players] for these amounts of money, it’s crazy. When the other ones do it, how smart they are. But I’m not going to deny that everyone can do whatever they want, I never judge the other one. We are being judged all the time. But it’s fine. When we were in the middle of the table it never happened, we were not a problem."
He also had kind words to say about Arteta, who had worked under him at Manchester City. Guardiola praised the Arsenal board for their patience and trust in Arteta, and how the results have now become visible. He added, "Mikel is a guy so demanding with the board, “Give me money to spend”. He has this talent too. He pushes everyone.”
This Sunday's match will have major implications, as City could reclaim the top spot in the Premier League with a win. However, if Liverpool defeats Brighton in the day's early kick-off, a City defeat could see them drop as low as fourth place.
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