Mikel Arteta Reveals What Pep Guardiola Told Him Before Arsenal Move

Few relationships in football are as intriguing as that between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

Once master and apprentice at Manchester City, the two Spaniards are now fierce rivals at the top of the Premier League.

Arteta has now revealed the advice Guardiola gave him when Arsenal first approached, a conversation that helped set him on the path from assistant coach to leading Arsenal’s new era.

How Pep Guardiola reacted to Arteta joining Arsenal

Arteta joined Arsenal in December 2019, but he has admitted the move could have happened earlier.

Speaking to Ally McCoist for TNT Sports, the Gunners boss recalled how he sought Guardiola’s advice when Arsenal first came calling.

“Arsenal came in and they were looking at all the candidates and meetings,” Arteta explained. “I said, ‘Pep, listen, they’re calling me, I haven’t done anything, it’s my second year with you here, what do I do?’.”

Guardiola’s response was emphatic. “He said, ‘If you don’t go to Arsenal, I’ll kick your ass. You have to go because you are ready.’ I said, ‘Really?’ and he said, ‘You have to go.’”

Although Arsenal ultimately appointed Unai Emery in 2018, Guardiola’s backing underlined the faith he had in his assistant.

When the role came up again 18 months later, Arteta finally took the plunge.

Mikel Arteta’s record against Pep Guardiola

Since leaving Guardiola’s side, Arteta has often found himself in direct competition with his old mentor, with Arsenal pushing City close in recent title races.

Mikel Arteta’s record vs Pep Guardiola (as of 16/09/25):

Despite Arsenal’s progress, Guardiola still holds the upper hand with eight victories in their 14 meetings. City also boast a commanding aggregate scoreline of 26-14.

Arteta, though, has closed the gap significantly in recent years. City are without a win against Arsenal in the last five encounters between the two sides.

Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates on Sunday, where Arteta will be looking to gain another win over his former mentor.

Arsenal are fancied as clear favourites with football betting sites, showing just how much things have changed during Arteta’s tenure.