Pep Guardiola reveals he feels 'weaker' against Mikel Arteta ahead of huge Man City-Arsenal showdown | OneFootball

City boss reveals he struggles against managers he is close with

Pep Guardiola has admitted he feels “weaker” going up against managers like Mikel Arteta, who he has become friends with.

Guardiola’s Manchester City side will lock horns with Arteta’s Arsenal in a top-of-the-table Premier League clash on Sunday.

Arteta served as Guardiola’s assistant for three-and-a-half seasons at the Etihad, before leaving to take up the top job at Arsenal.

And Guardiola has reveals he finds it harder facing coaches he has a relationship with, telling Sky Sports: "Yeah, because I feel weaker.

"Sometimes [I catch up with managers after a game], friends of mine, like Mikel and Julen Lopetegui, for example.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

"Friends of mine - Enzo Maresca, Roberto De Zerbi -  the managers that we have a relationship, we work together, and have a connection, because life gives us a connection that I love. And I like to do it winning or losing.

"The other [managers] I prefer when you win and the other lose. When you lose, I don't want to be disturbed.

"I don't want to talk to anyone. I want to process the defeat of myself, time, and the day after come back."

Arteta is yet to taste victory as Arsenal manager against City at the Etihad, although his side earned a 0-0 draw there in March.

Last season was the first time Arteta beat Guardiola in the Premier League, but the Gunners still finished two points behind champions City.

City are currently top with a two-point lead over Arsenal going into the fixture, which will serve as an early marker in this season’s title race.