EPL: It’s not easy – Guardiola defends Mikel Arteta over recent comments

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended his Arsenal counterpart, Mikel Arteta, following his explosive rant over the state of Premier League officiating.

Guardiola said it is ‘difficult to handle’ controversial decisions in the heat of the moment.

our source recalled that Arteta ploughed into the officials after Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to stand during Arsenal’s Premier League 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park over the weekend.

Arteta branded the decision an ‘embarrassment’ and a ‘disgrace’.

However, when asked about the current state of VAR after Arteta’s rant, Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Man City’s Champions League tie with Young Boys on Tuesday: “I have the feeling that in every country there is a little bit of confusion about many things…the emotion after the game is difficult for the managers, right after being here and talking about the feelings that are so high.

“It’s difficult to handle it. Me, I am talking for myself; I’m not talking for Mikel or for any other manager; I’m talking for myself. It’s not easy.

“Hopefully we can [improve things]. They decide we cannot talk with the fourth official; we cannot do anything. The situation was quite similar last season; it didn’t change much.”