Arteta Reveals Facts About His Relationship with Guardiola Ahead of Wembley Final

Ahead of the English League Cup final of the 2025/2026 season, coach Mikel Arteta revealed his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola is not as close as it used to be.

The final between Arsenal and Manchester City will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Wembley Stadium.

"Our relationship has changed. He is in Manchester, I am in London. We handle two different clubs," said Arteta, quoted from Arsenal's official website, Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The Spanish coach explained that their communication intensity has significantly decreased now, and they hardly ever meet like they did when working together.

Arteta and Guardiola were part of the same coaching team at Manchester City starting in 2016. Over approximately three years, Arteta served as Guardiola's assistant and helped the club win various titles, including two Premier League trophies, one FA Cup, and two English League Cups.

"We never spend time together anymore, and that is important for our relationship," stated Arteta.

Nevertheless, Arteta emphasized that he still values his professional journey and relationship with Guardiola, whom he credits as playing a major role in his development as a coach.

"What I feel about him and our past journey will always remain the same. What he did for me and the inspiration he provided so far will never change," said Arteta.

Furthermore, Arteta stressed that this final is not a personal duel between him and Guardiola, but that the main focus remains on the team's target.

"It's not like that because in this profession (as coaches), we must keep learning and developing. For me, what matters is that we win the trophy. That's it," stated the 43-year-old man.

Arsenal themselves carry the ambition of winning their third English League Cup title in the club's history, having last won it in the 1992/1993 season.

Meanwhile, Manchester City arrives as one of the most successful teams in this competition, with a collection of eight trophies, including the last title won in the 2020/2021 season.