"The pair go head to head at Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a match many have billed as a Premier League title decider. A win for Guardiola and second-placed Manchester City would cut the lead of Arteta's Arsenal side to just three points, with a game in hand."
"Communication between the two managers cooled significantly when Arteta gave up his role as Guardiola's assistant in Manchester back in 2019 to take charge of Arsenal. While the City boss' other former assistants maintained closer contact, Arteta stepped away - and that distance created silence."
"Arteta is someone who moves forward without being dependent on past professional bonds. Contact was eventually re-established in the last year and tensions eased. Nobody wants to say who made the first call, but they speak again."
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta share a complex relationship that began in 1997 at Barcelona. Their bond evolved from teammates to rivals as Arteta became Arsenal's manager. After Arteta left his role as Guardiola's assistant in 2019, communication diminished, leading to a period of silence. Recently, they reestablished contact, recognizing their friendship despite competing for titles. Both managers understand the pressures of leading top teams and have learned from each other's styles over the years, reflecting a blend of respect and rivalry in their current positions.
Read at www.bbc.com
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