New Delhi: Pep Guardiola has hit back at talk of playing mind games as Manchester City get ready for a big match against Arsenal. The City boss, known for his straight-talking, showed his frustration when asked about how he views the game. Manchester City have dominated the Premier League in recent years, but Arsenal are becoming their biggest challengers. With the two teams meeting this weekend, tensions are already rising.
In his press conference, Guardiola was quick to dismiss any idea that his comments were mind games. While he’s admired for his tactical thinking, Guardiola was clear he doesn’t like psychological tricks. “No, I’m not good at mind games,” he said sharply when asked about Arsenal’s progress. His mood seemed tense, as he repeated how much respect he has for Mikel Arteta’s team, especially knowing they’ve improved season after season.
Guardiola ‘not good’ at mind games
🔵👀 Pep Guardiola on Arsenal: “Every season they get stronger… if I say something, they’ll say I was playing mind games or something”.
“I’m not good on playing mind games!”.pic.twitter.com/MoKMlfUSkP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 20, 2024
Ahead of Sunday’s crucial game, Guardiola spoke about Arsenal’s growth. He admitted how much tougher they’ve become. “Every season they get stronger, their squad gets better,” he said, showing the respect he has for Arsenal. But Guardiola was careful not to say anything that could be taken as mind games, knowing how quickly things can be misunderstood in football.
The rivalry between City and Arsenal has grown over the last two years. Last season, Arsenal gave City a real fight, finishing only two points behind them. Guardiola knows Arsenal are a serious challenge, especially with their stronger squad and Arteta’s tactics. City couldn’t beat Arsenal in either league game last season, and Guardiola is expecting another tight match.
Even with all the attention on this game, Guardiola played down how important it is right now. He said it’s too early in the season to focus on the table. “At this stage, the result isn’t that important,” he said. “The table will matter more when we play them in London later in the season.” His focus is on the bigger picture, not just this match.
When asked again about Arsenal’s improvement, Guardiola got a bit frustrated. He didn’t want his words to be seen as playing mind games. “You can ask him [Arteta], because if I say anything, they’ll say I’m playing mind games,” he said, adding that he’s always had a high opinion of Arteta.
Guardiola’s comments show a rivalry built on respect, but also a bit of tension. While he insists he’s not trying to get inside Arsenal’s heads, the importance of Sunday’s game is clear. Both teams have started the season well, and with City only two points ahead of Arsenal, the race for the title is already heating up. Whether Guardiola likes it or not, this match is going to be a battle.
Pep Guardiola dismissed claims of mind games, keeping his focus on the high-stakes clash against Arsenal this weekend. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
