Pep Guardiola insists he still has an "exceptional" relationship with Mikel Arteta ahead of Manchester City's huge Premier League clash against Arsenal this Sunday. 

Guardiola and Arteta worked together at City for three-and-a-half years before the Spaniard replaced Unai Emery in north London back in 2019. 

The two teams have since gone head-to-head for the Premier League title over the last two seasons, with Guardiola winning both over his former apprentice. 

In their meeting earlier this campaign, John Stones' 98th-minute equaliser sealed a share of the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. 

But following the encounter, tensions between the two sides reached boiling point, with Erling Haaland's "stay humble" jibe at Arteta sparking outcry among the Arsenal players. 

Arteta also suggested that he had "all the information" about City's use of "dark arts", but Guardiola dismissed the claim that a rift had developed between the coaches.

"Exceptional," Guardiola said, when asked about his relationship with Arteta at a news conference on Friday.

"With him and his family. We're not in touch much because we have business, but the respect that we have is always there."

Back on the road this weekend

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Ahead of facing Arsenal this weekend, City also found out their opponents for the play-off round of the Champions League after beating Club Brugge 3-1 on Wednesday.

The Citizens finished 22nd in the 36-team standings and were drawn against holders Real Madrid, the side that knocked them out at the quarter-final stage in 2023-24. 

It's yet another difficult fixture for Guardiola's side to navigate this month, with further clashes against Newcastle United, Liverpool and Tottenham to come in February. 

The City boss described his tie with Madrid as a derby, while also insisting his revitalised team are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. 

"We started in Paris and then Chelsea, so we are already there with difficult games," Guardiola said. "We have dealt with this kind of incredible schedule for many, many years.

"So it's not a problem. Madrid is extremely difficult. We know that. It's tough playing against Real and the problem is in the middle playing Newcastle."

"It feels like a derby already. Four years in a row facing Real Madrid," Guardiola added on facing Carlo Ancelotti's side once again. 

"But Bayern or Madrid - both were really tough. Hopefully, we can arrive in the first leg here, and then at Madrid, as best as possible."