Key Highlights:
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated his conscience is clear regarding his time as an assistant coach at Manchester City amid findings of financial rule breaches.
- Arteta served under Pep Guardiola from 2016 to 2019, a tenure that coincided with the period Manchester City was found to have disguised secret funding exceeding £830m.
- The Spanish manager declined to comment in detail on the independent commission’s findings, stressing the necessity of respecting the ongoing legal appeal process.
Mikel Arteta Addresses Manchester City Financial Findings
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has affirmed that his conscience remains entirely clear regarding his past tenure at Manchester City, following an independent commission’s ruling that found the reigning champions guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations. Arteta served as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola between 2016 and 2019. That three-and-a-half-year spell directly intersected with the nine-season timeframe during which Manchester City was determined to have breached league rules and masked secret funding totaling more than £830m.
During his first press conference since the commission’s judgment was made public—a ruling that Manchester City has formally appealed—Arteta consistently sought to deflect inquiries regarding his former employer. Throughout more than thirty minutes of questioning at Arsenal’s training ground, the manager maintained a measured demeanor and adhered closely to a prepared stance, emphasizing that he did not wish to compromise the proceedings while the appeal remains pending.
Deflecting Inquiries and Maintaining Silence on Pep Guardiola
Despite repeated efforts to stay neutral, Arteta provided a direct, single-word response when pressed on his personal accountability during his time in Manchester. Asked specifically, You were at City for three and a half years, is your conscience clear? You had a senior position there, is your conscience clear?
the Arsenal manager replied: Yes
. The brief affirmation marked the sole moment where Arteta diverged from his broader strategy of withholding commentary until all legal avenues are concluded.
When questioned on whether he had maintained contact with Pep Guardiola regarding the verdict, Arteta chose not to disclose any details, stating: I prefer not to answer those questions.
Furthermore, when prompted to react to the independent commission’s specific findings—which detailed that Manchester City had arranged sham contracts
with several commercial sponsors to disguise incoming revenue—Arteta reiterated the need for patience and procedural integrity.
I fully understand the question, but obviously I think it’s very important that we respect the process, the timelines, and it’s still an ongoing process that is not resolved because it’s been appealed,
Arteta stated. My position, and I think the club’s position, is not to make any further comments until this is fully resolved.
Confidence in the Premier League Process and Title Race Focus
The situation has raised widespread questions across English football regarding the timeline of potential sanctions and the overall fairness of the competition. When pressed on whether the appeal and subsequent penalties should be finalized before the conclusion of the current campaign to safeguard the integrity of the league, Arteta expressed faith in the governing authorities.
The people are responsible to manage this process and to come to the right conclusions and I’m sure it will be done and it will be resolved in the right way. We have to trust that,
Arteta explained. He also reinforced his admiration for the English top flight, affirming that he 100%
believes the Premier League remains the best competition in world football.
On the pitch, the ramifications of the off-field scrutiny arrive amidst an intense battle at the top of the table. Arsenal currently trail league leaders Manchester City by three points. Arteta’s immediate focus shifts back to the title chase as the Gunners prepare to host fifth-placed Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Why This Matters
The independent commission’s ruling against Manchester City represents one of the most consequential regulatory developments in Premier League history. Because Arteta was a prominent member of Guardiola’s coaching staff during the timeframe scrutinized by investigators, his association with the club brings Arsenal directly into the media spotlight surrounding the case. With City mounting an official appeal, the outcome could carry unprecedented ramifications for historical achievements, future sanctions, and the governance of financial fair play across European football.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mikel Arteta coach at Manchester City?
Mikel Arteta worked as an assistant coach under manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City from 2016 until December 2019, when he left to take charge of Arsenal.
What were the findings against Manchester City?
An independent commission determined that Manchester City breached Premier League financial regulations across nine seasons, which included disguising secret funding of more than £830m through sham commercial partner contracts. Manchester City has appealed the ruling.
What is Arsenal’s current competitive standing?
Arsenal sit three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City and are scheduled to face fifth-placed Leeds United at Emirates Stadium.
