The relationship between Federer and Nadal shows that I can still be friends with Guardiola during the title race, says Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta used the friendly tennis rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as an example of why he can maintain a good relationship with Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola during the increasingly tense Premier League title race.

Arteta was Guardiola’s assistant at City for three years and the two managers have spoken well of each other during the title races between City’s winning sides in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

With fifteen rounds left in the Premier League this season, Arsenal are four points ahead of City in second place.

Arteta said on Friday he is still speaking to Guardiola.

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“I don’t talk (to him) like my wife, but we talk,” he said. «For me, the surprising thing would be not to do that. And it would be a very bad example for the sport.»

«The biggest lesson the sport has given us was the relationship that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had. We are not at that level. But they were two of the best in history, even if they had to play in the final.»

«So how on earth can I not have a great relationship with someone I admire? But if it goes to the court, or to the field, it’s for the winner.»

Published on January 30, 2026