Arteta: Manchester City the ‘best in the world’ | OneFootball

As Arsenal prepare to face Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, manager Mikel Arteta has stated that his team will be facing the best in the world.

Despite both teams currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, this match will mark the first encounter between the two this season, with the match taking place at the Etihad Stadium.

Arteta acknowledges the significance of the match, especially given the knockout aspect of the cup and the upcoming Premier League meeting between the two teams next month.

However, he views it as a challenge to look forward to.

“It’s a big match, and a big test for us against in my opinion the best football team in the world,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it because it will tell us a lot about where we are.

He added, “I think there are going to be two very very different games [between the FA Cup and league matches], and to put similarities into them is very unreal. Maybe because of the players on the pitch, but as well the context is extremely different.

“Let’s see – obviously it is important to win and play well. That gives you more momentum, more confidence and prepares you better for the next match, and that’s our focus on Friday.”

Arteta also noted that he will be facing one of the best managers in the world, his former boss and friend, Pep Guardiola.

Despite their teams being in a title race, Arteta stated that their friendship and mutual respect remains intact. “I always hoped that [a title challenge between the two] was going to be the case one day, and it’s happening this season,” Mikel laughed.

“But that’s not going to change any friendship or the moments that we have, how important he is in my life or how important he is in my profession.

“We are both willing to win and defend our clubs in the best possible way, and that has always been the case since day one.

“This league brings you incredible challenges. You have the best coaches in the world, and the best coach in the world. To be at that level, you have to find other things to try and compete with them and that’s where opportunities come as well.

“We are on that pathway but understand that we haven’t done anything yet and there are still a lot of things to improve.”