“I’m really furious with him right now. Arteta made a mistake starting him… he contributed nothing throughout the entire match,” says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as he blames Mikel Arteta for fielding a player who offered ‘absolutely nothing’ in the game against PSG

The Champions League stage brought fireworks both on and off the pitch last night — but it was the post-match press conference that truly stole the headlines.

After Arsenal’s narrow defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, present at the Parc des Princes as a pundit and UEFA guest, didn’t mince his words when asked about Arsenal’s performance — and he placed the blame squarely on his former assistant and close friend Mikel Arteta.

“I’m really furious with him right now,” Guardiola snapped. “Arteta made a mistake starting him… he contributed nothing throughout the entire match.”

Though Pep avoided mentioning the player by name, sources suggest he was referring to one of Arsenal’s attacking starters — widely believed to be Kai Havertz, who struggled to impose himself in the high-pressure European fixture.

Guardiola’s comments sent shockwaves through the media room, especially given his previously warm relationship with Arteta, who served as his assistant at Manchester City before taking the helm at the Emirates.

“At this level, you cannot afford to carry a player who offers absolutely nothing,” Guardiola continued. “These nights are for the best, and tonight one decision cost them.”

The comments have ignited a storm among fans and pundits alike. While some Arsenal supporters agree that the player in question underperformed, others criticized Pep for publicly undermining a fellow manager, especially given their long-standing friendship.

Mikel Arteta was later asked about Guardiola’s remarks in his own press conference and responded tersely:
“I respect Pep’s opinion, but I stand by my decisions. I pick players I believe in.”

With both managers potentially on a collision course in the Premier League title race, this unexpected war of words adds another layer of drama to an already tense season.