Arteta compares Guardiola relationship to Nadal-Federer rivalry

Mikel Arteta believes his respectful relationship with Premier League title rival Pep Guardiola is comparable to the one shared by tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Arteta worked under Guardiola at Manchester City in the early days of his coaching career, but in recent years, his old mentor has stood between his Arsenal side and silverware.

The Gunners won the FA Cup in Arteta's first season at the helm, in 2019-20, but they have not lifted a major trophy since then, despite plenty of close calls.

Arsenal have finished as Premier League runners-up in three successive seasons, with the first two instances seeing them overhauled by City late in the campaign.

They currently boast a four-point lead over City at the summit, though they would be further clear if not for a three-match winless streak, which has seen them draw with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, then lose to Manchester United.

Arsenal and City could also face off in the EFL Cup final and are among the favourites to win the Champions League, but Arteta does not foresee familiarity with Guardiola breeding contempt.

"For me, the surprising thing would be not to [maintain that relationship]," Arteta said ahead of Saturday's trip to Leeds United. "I think it would be a really bad example for the sport. 

"In sport, you have to learn, and probably the biggest lesson that sport has given us is the relationship that, for example, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer had.

"I am not at that level at all. But with the two best sportsmen, the relationship they had between them when they had to play finals against each other...

"How the hell am I not going to have a great relationship with someone that I admire, I worked with, and is a colleague? 

"But it is the same as any other opponent. When it goes to the court, to the pitch, that's for the winner."

Nadal and Federer faced off 40 times during their illustrious careers, with Nadal leading their head-to-head record 24-16.

Twenty-four of their head-to-head clashes were in finals, with nine of those coming at grand slams, six of which were won by Nadal.

Arteta was also asked about City's January transfer business, after they bolstered their squad with the additions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. Arsenal, by contrast, have been quiet.

"That's business. I know what they are going to do and what they've been doing over the last 10 or 15 years," Arteta said of City's incomings. 

"Obviously, it's no surprise. They want to win, and they will do everything they can to win."