Arteta Pushes Back on Guardiola's World-Beating Praise Ahead of United Clash
23 January 2026
Arteta Pushes Back on Guardiola's World-Best Claim
The Spanish coach believes his team remains far from perfection, even as Pep Guardiola lauded Arsenal as the best team in the world.
Guardiola's praise and Arteta's reply
Guardiola spoke in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Wolverhampton game on Saturday, saying it will be difficult to catch Arsenal given the way they play, but that his side will keep pressing at the top.
He added that Arsenal are “the best team in the world right now.” He pointed to their performances across the Champions League, the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup as evidence of that edge.
Arteta replied that Arsenal are a work in progress, noting that the club aims to improve continually and give themselves a real chance to close the gap.
According to The Independent, the objective remains to sustain their level while sharpening targeted areas.
Arteta argued that while it is nice to hear positive words about the team, the claim of being the best in the world is exaggerated. He suggested that true greatness would mean winning several trophies, something Arsenal has yet to do this season.
On the United match, Arteta said: “The arrival of Michael Carrick will bring fresh ideas to United and intensify the rivalry. We expect a tough test, but we will adapt, especially since we are playing at home and understand its importance.”
“Every game is different. Individuals shape the match and influence play in specific ways.”
He concluded: “We will stay true to ourselves, control the game as we always do, impose the style we want, and, regardless of their plans, dominate the areas that benefit us.”
The coach also noted that the squad’s aim is to maintain form and seek improvements in defined aspects, a path that keeps them hungry rather than resting on laurels.
Punchlines: Sniper joke 1 — If Arsenal really are the best in the world, maybe the trophy cabinet needs a map; right now it’s hiding really well.
Punchlines: Sniper joke 2 — And if perfection is the target, Arteta will chase it with the patience of a sniper waiting for the perfect pass to finally land.
