“Congratulations to Arsenal for Lifting the Shame on My Face” – Pep Guardiola Hails Arteta’s Masterclass but Issues Crucial Warning Ahead of Bernabéu Clash
In an unexpected yet strikingly candid admission, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Arsenal and his former assistant Mikel Arteta for their recent Champions League triumph over Real Madrid, describing it as a “revenge well-served” on behalf of City. Guardiola, still smarting from the heartbreak of last season’s defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s men at the Etihad Stadium, did not hold back his emotions.
“Congratulations to Arsenal for lifting the shame on my face,” Pep stated passionately. “They’ve done incredibly well to get back at Real Madrid for what Ancelotti’s men did to us at the Etihad. I felt that pain deeply. So to see Arsenal step up, fight, and take the game to Madrid like that—it meant something. It was personal.”
Arsenal’s performance in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid was nothing short of a statement. A tactically astute side, filled with youthful exuberance and led by the ever-innovative Mikel Arteta, took the game to the Spanish giants and earned both respect and result. From Bukayo Saka’s tireless runs to Declan Rice’s dominance in midfield, Arsenal looked fearless and inspired—qualities Guardiola said were “non-negotiable” when facing Madrid.
However, despite his praise, Guardiola issued a chilling warning to Arteta ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu—a ground that has broken many dreams. The Catalan tactician, having both conquered and suffered on Madrid’s turf, emphasized the need for Arteta to remain sharp and not fall into common traps.
“Arteta needs to be mindful of TWO very important things when he goes to Bernabéu,” Guardiola revealed. “Because trust me, we have been there before and we know how dangerous they are at home.”
So what are these two critical things Guardiola believes Arteta must manage?
1. Emotional Control in the First 20 Minutes: According to Pep, the first wave at the Bernabéu is where most visiting teams crumble. “Madrid will press like a tsunami. That crowd, that intensity—it’s like a spell. If you don’t manage the emotions early on, you’re finished before you know it. Arsenal must stay calm, organized, and absorb that initial burst,” he warned.
Guardiola recalled how City were caught off guard during that infamous semifinal, conceding late goals in a moment of defensive lapse. “It’s not just about tactics—it’s about psychology. You can’t lose your head. One mistake, and the whole tie changes.”
2. Don’t Sit Back—Attack Their Ego: Pep’s second piece of advice was perhaps more surprising. “Many teams go to Madrid and play with fear. They retreat, defend deep, and hope. That’s not how you win there. You have to attack their ego. Press them, make them uncomfortable, take risks. That’s what we failed to do when it mattered.”
He continued, “Madrid are at their weakest when they are forced to defend wave after wave. Arteta has built a team capable of doing just that. He needs to trust them.”
Guardiola concluded with heartfelt admiration for his former assistant. “Mikel has grown so much. What he’s doing with Arsenal—this is not just a good season, this is a serious project. But Bernabéu is the true test. If he gets it right there, the world will no longer see Arsenal as underdogs.”
As Arsenal prepare for what promises to be a seismic second leg in Spain, Guardiola’s words resonate as both a compliment and a challenge. Arteta and his men now carry not only their dreams, but the vindication of their mentor’s past wounds. One thing is clear—if Arsenal survive the Bernabéu, they won’t just be finalists. They’ll be feared.
And perhaps then, Pep’s “shame” will finally turn into pride.