Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has admitted he feels "sympathy" for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he feels "sympathy" for his old mentor Pep Guardiola after Manchester City's rotten run of six games without a win.
City's title defence is threatening to come to a end with Guardiola suffering the worst form of his managerial career as they prepare for a huge showdown against rivals Liverpool this weekend.
Liverpool can go 11 points clear of Guardiola's side with a victory over the out of form team at Anfield and will go into the clash as huge favourites.
While Arsenal are also competing with City and Liverpool the title, Arteta said he has compassion for the Spaniard after working under him as assistant manager at the Etihad for three years.
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"That’s something very personal," he said when asked about Guardiola's current plight. "I feel a lot of sympathy for all my colleagues. I know how we get judged for one thing which is results. I know how difficult it is."
City lost five straight games over the course of a month and were thumped 4-0 at home to Tottenham on Sunday to send shockwaves around the Premier League.
They followed that up with a 3-3 draw at home to Feyenoord in the Champions League after going 3-0 up against the Dutch outfit, conceding in the last minute.
Pep Guardiola greeting Mikel Arteta in 2024
Arteta gave support to Guardiola amid his tough spell and said "everyone has a bump"
When asked what he made of City's current form, Arteta said it was "strange" for City to find themselves enduring such a "bump" because the club has known nothing but success.
"What I’ve made of it is what they’ve done for nine years," he said. "Everybody has a bump. For them it’s very strange because in nine years they never had it. Everything has to be perfect and things have to go your way."
Arsenal have already played City this season and drew 2-2 at the Etihad. The Gunners are one point off City in fourth, level on points with Chelsea, and nine off league leaders Liverpool.
Arteta's side travel to West Ham on Saturday hoping to close the gap, knowing at least one of City or Liverpool will drop points this weekend.
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