Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hit back at suggestions that Premier League rivals Arsenal have been handed a favourable route to the Champions League final, labelling such talk "disrespectful" to the remaining European contenders.
The comments followed Friday’s knockout stage draw in Nyon, which paired Arsenal with German side Bayer Leverkusen. While the Gunners avoided a "bracket of death" that includes heavyweights like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, Guardiola insisted that the path to the trophy remains treacherous for every team involved.
"That would be so disrespectful," Guardiola told reporters during a press conference ahead of City’s clash with Leeds United. "For example, Newcastle, Barcelona—top teams. Or Atletico Madrid and Spurs. If you want to go through in this competition right now, you have to beat the best teams; otherwise, you don't deserve it."
Arsenal secured their seeded position by finishing at the top of the league phase with a perfect record. If Mikel Arteta’s side overcomes Leverkusen, they are slated to face either Bodø/Glimt or Sporting CP in the quarter-finals. Guardiola specifically highlighted the threat of the Norwegian side, noting that "everyone knows Bodø/Glimt is top" after their recent giant-killing performances.
In contrast, Manchester City faces a daunting fifth consecutive knockout meeting with Real Madrid.
Despite the perceived disparity in the difficulty of the two halves of the draw, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has already tipped Arsenal as favourites for the title. However, Arteta remained grounded following the draw, telling Arsenal.com that his team has "earned the right to be in a strong position" but must now focus on analysing a dangerous Leverkusen side.
The first leg of the Round of 16 ties is scheduled for March 10 and 11, with the return fixtures following a week later.