Nicolas Pepe has opened up about his difficult relationship with Mikel Arteta during his time at Arsenal, revealing a lack of communication was his biggest frustration while backing the Gunners to win the Premier League title this season.
The Ivory Coast winger joined Arsenal for a then club-record £72.5m in 2019 but struggled for consistency in north London, scoring 27 goals in 112 appearances before being frozen out as Arteta reshaped the squad.
Now thriving at Villarreal, Pepe has highlighted the stark contrast between his current manager Marcelino Garcia Toral and the Arsenal boss.
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Communication breakdown at Arsenal
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“We’ll start with Arteta, who is a coach who asks for certain things. Sometimes it was a bit tough for me, where from time to time we didn’t have this communication,” [Pepe told Flashscore](https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/nicolas-pepe-lifts-lid-arteta-relationship-and-makes-arsenal-title-prediction/be19cd3d3e1f7ea6bd1206d6). “And that’s what I regret the most, not having enough communication with him.”
The 30-year-old praised his current situation in Spain, where he has five goals and four assists in 29 La Liga appearances this season. “Then with coach Marcelino, it’s the opposite, where I think we talk about everything, about nothing, football, not football, whatever,” he explained.
“I always say that I prefer a coach who is totally transparent with me, whether it’s the right or the wrong side. It allows me to move forward and progress.”
Arsenal title prediction
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Despite his difficult exit from the Emirates, Pepe remains a keen observer of Arsenal’s progress and believes the north London side will edge out Manchester City in the title race.
“Honestly I think it will be about details. They still have the Champions League to play, so there is that to manage. City have nothing to do, I think they only have the Premier League now, so they will be focused on the Premier League,” he said.
“But it will really depend on the details because I think the difference is one goal. I think Arsenal will end up champions, but really, it’s a pity losing to City.”
Pepe also reflected on the different playing styles between the Premier League and La Liga, noting the contrast in intensity levels. “\[In\] the Premier League, we were very much focused on the intensity whereas in Spain we are more relaxed. The idea of playing is to play the ball,” he observed.
The former Arsenal winger is currently focused on helping Villarreal secure Champions League qualification, with the Yellow Submarine sitting third in La Liga as they push for a return to Europe’s elite competition.