Mikel Arteta Hails Pep Guardiola 'Best Coach in World' Ahead of Arsenal vs Man City

Arteta Praises Guardiola as Arsenal prep for big test

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praises Pep Guardiola as the 'best coach in the world' ahead of their highly anticipated match.

“My admiration and what I feel for him certainly hasn't. In my opinion, he's the best coach in the world by a mile...”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, calling him “by far the best coach in the world” ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League clash on Sunday. Arteta, who worked under Guardiola at Manchester City, believes his former mentor's demands, standards, and will to win make him the best in the business. This admiration won't make the upcoming match any easier, as Arsenal looks to continue their strong form against a City side that hasn't beaten them in the last two seasons.

Injury Updates Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Mikel Arteta provided injury updates on key players ahead of the big match against Manchester City. Speaking on captain Martin Odegaard, Ben White, and Bukayo Saka, Arteta said, “If there is a chance, it will be after tomorrow's session, as they haven't done anything yet.” This suggests that Arteta will reassess their fitness after Saturday's training session before making any decisions on their availability for the match against Manchester City.

“Everything has been modified so far for them. Tomorrow we will have more information on if they're ready to be with the squad or not.”

Arteta provides an update on the fitness of Saka, White, Saliba and Odegaard 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 19, 2025

Injury Update: Gyokeres and Merino Clear

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino are fine and will be available for selection against Manchester City. Arteta said, “Yeah they are fine, they will be available,” giving Arsenal a boost ahead of the big match.

And finally, on William Saliba: “Let's see he has been carrying an injury. He's really pushing it so we will decide tomorrow.”

Mikel Arteta's Praise for Pep Guardiola

Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his compatriot and rival manager Pep Guardiola, calling him “by far the best coach in the world.” Arteta, who worked under Guardiola at Manchester City, believes his former mentor's demands, standards, and will to win make him the best in the business. Despite their upcoming clash, Arteta's admiration for Guardiola is evident, saying, “My admiration and what I feel for him certainly hasn't. In my opinion, he's the best coach in the world by a mile.” Even Jurgen Klopp shares this sentiment, labeling Guardiola the “best coach in the world.”

“Well, the demand he puts on himself, the standards, the will to win. He always brings out the best in people. He is by far the best coach in the world, I have always said it,” Arteta stated.

Mikel Arteta on Cristhian Mosquera

Mikel Arteta spoke highly of defender Cristhian Mosquera, whom he was given the opportunity to sign this summer by Arsenal's sporting director Andre Berta. Arteta's comments suggest Mosquera has made a positive impression, and the manager is excited about the potential benefits he could bring to the team.

Arsenal's Suicide Prevention Service

Mikel Arteta mentioned Arsenal's suicide prevention service, which will be available at The Arsenal Hub on match day. The service will be open two hours before kick-off, during the match, and two hours after full-time, with no appointment necessary. This initiative highlights Arsenal's commitment to supporting fans' mental health and well-being.

“He's very good... Someone extremely focused, very determined. (It was) very clear he wanted to come here, and come here to play,” the manager said about his defender.

“First of all, I am very proud that the club takes the initiative and takes on a problem, a serious problem and gets a solution, a practical solution and creates a safe space,” said Arteta.

“I think its incredible and hopefully more people can do the same.”

💬 “I think it’s incredible.”

Our confidential suicide prevention drop-in service is open at The Arsenal Hub on Sunday, Gooners 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 19, 2025

Injury Updates:

• Arsenal's Ben White, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard have been training separately, and Arteta expects to have more information on their fitness after Saturday's session.

• Victor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino are fine and will be available for selection.

• William Saliba is carrying an injury but is pushing to be fit, with a final decision on his availability expected on Saturday.

The Big Match:

• Arteta expects a intense match, saying City have changed quite a bit, especially in their backline, and have recruited Erling Haaland.
• Guardiola has also praised Arsenal, calling them one of the best teams in Europe and saying they “don't make any mistakes.”
• The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two title contenders, with both teams coming off wins in the Champions League.

The next phase of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal 📸 pic.twitter.com/THaCA8WU84

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 17, 2025