Pep Guardiola has urged Arsenal to stand by manager Mikel Arteta, stating that sacking him would be a “big mistake”.
Guardiola’s Manchester City defeated Arteta’s side 4-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, leaving the Gunners without a win in eight domestic matches.
Pep Guardiola Urges Arsenal to Stand By Mikel Arteta
Sacking Arteta Would Be a “Big Mistake”, says Guardiola
Speaking after his team’s victory, Guardiola said: “I’m pretty sure they are going to trust him.
“They will do a big mistake if they are thinking [of dismissing him].”
Arteta spent three years as Guardiola’s assistant coach at the Etihad Stadium, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two EFL Cups, and his former boss believes he has the quality to succeed.
“I know his incredible quality as a human being and especially as a manager, how he is involved in everything,” Guardiola continued.
“Football changes in one week so quick. I can speak about my experience alongside him – one of the most incredible, successful teams in English history we had, and he was part of this success.
“It would not be possible without him. To create something like this you need time like I had in my first season.”
Arteta at Arsenal: FA Cup Highs to 46 Year Lows
Arteta replaced Unai Emery as Arsenal head coach last December, taking charge of his first game on Boxing Day with the Gunners languishing in 11th position.
The Spaniard endured a slow start to managerial life, winning once and drawing five in his opening seven matches, before a run of eight wins in the final 13 games of the season lifted the Gunners to 8th.
After earning Europa League qualification off the back of their FA Cup success and defeating Liverpool in September’s Community Shield, Arsenal headed into the new season in positive spirits.
However, Arteta has been unable to replicate last season’s late form and finds himself under huge pressure following Arsenal’s worst start for 46 years.
The Gunners currently sit 15th in the table, without a win since November 1st and just four points above the relegation zone.
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