Pep Guardiola describes new relationship with Mikel Arteta amid Arsenal and Man City tension

It would be a big boost for us (to beat City) in the title race,

admitted Arteta

I am not going to talk about any individuals,

continued Arteta

We wouldn’t be talking on the phone, talking to each other and messaging each other and willing each other to do the best (if the relationship had changed),

continued Arteta

(It ... It is) Normal, two teams trying to win."

Asked about how their rivalry with Manchester City has developed in recent seasons, Arteta said

It looks like a derby already, four years in a row facing Madrid. Hopefully we can arrive in the moment and win the first leg here and the game one week later in Madrid.”

And Guardiola added

Mikel Merinomikel

He is ruthless, he has no fear on the pitch,

Merino told TNT Sports

Winning in this competition is very demanding but overall the team has been very consistent, regardless of all the issues they have had to face,

Arteta told reporters after a fourth consecutive European victory

He certainly could not play, he is injured,

explained the coach, ahead of Manchester City’s impending visit to face Arsenal in the Premier League, in a key title race clash on Sunday

I’m really impressed, making his debut as a Champions League starter today and scoring the goal that he scored, especially in a very important moment,

said the coach

I can’t talk about any of that — my confidence is that we have an amazing club with people always working to try and improve,

he added