Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he feels weaker going up against managers that he knows well, like Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal, runners-up to City for the last two seasons in the Premier League, visit Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a game that is likely to have title implications.

Asked if he finds it harder facing a coach he has a relationship with, Guardiola told Sky Sports: “Yeah, because I feel weaker.”

Arteta can still expect a warm reception from his old boss on Sunday, with Guardiola always keen to accommodate his close friends when their teams come to City.

Guardiola: I’m not on social media

Guardiola added: “Sometimes, I catch up with managers after a game; friends of mine, like Mikel and Julen Lopetegui, for example.

“Friends of mine – Enzo Maresca, Roberto de Zerbi –  the managers that we have a relationship, we work together, and have a connection, because life gives us a connection that I love. And I like to do it winning or losing.

“The other (managers) I prefer when you win and the other lose. When you lose, I don’t want to be disturbed.

“I don’t want to talk to anyone. I want to process the defeat of myself, time, and the day after come back.”

The Star