‘Mikel Arteta is feeling the pressure’… Premier League icon explains why he’d rather have Pep Guardiola as his manager

EXCLUSIVE: Pep Guardiola has the edge in the Premier League title race over Mikel Arteta, according to a former England international.

With the season almost at its climax, the pair of Spanish managers have to go above and beyond in a showdown that looks like it’s going to come down to the wire.

Gareth Barry would rather have Pep Guardiola as his manager over Mikel Arteta

During his time in football, Gareth Barry played for an array of tremendous coaches, making him the perfect person to analyse what it takes to get over the line in the toughest league in all of football.

And in his eyes, Pep Guardiola has far too much for Mikel Arteta.

When asked during an exclusive interview with Sporf, via Midnite, who he’d rather have leading him into battle, the ex-midfielder replied: “It has to be the one who’s been there and done it before. It’s clear and obvious that Mikel Arteta is the man under pressure. He hasn’t won the Premier League yet with Arsenal, and he’s been extremely close. Pep has been there and done it, and in other countries as well. Certainly, I’d pick Pep if I had to pick one of the two.”

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Gareth Barry candidly opens up about what winning the Premier League meant to him

During his time at Aston Villa, Barry proved himself to be a truly tremendous operator. Renowned for his outstanding consistency and ability to pick out the perfect pass, the popular player carved out an excellent legacy.

However, having never conquered England, finally crossing the line with Manchester City on the final day of the season, in which Sergio Aguero scored his iconic goal, is an achievement he holds very close to his heart.

Barry explained: “I think relief is the right word. You work so hard in your career, thinking, ‘Is this going to get snatched away from me’? When you work all season, thinking you’re going to win the Premier League, it would’ve been a tough pill to take if I hadn’t got over the line. To be part of that iconic game and that moment, was certainly worth the celebrations after, and it’s nice to still talk about today, and when you see that goal go in, the hairs on the neck still stand up.”

Midnite, one of the fastest-growing betting and casino companies in the world, has today proven that it really is BUILT DIFFERENT, by becoming the first betting app to place a bet in space. The bet in question backed England to win the World Cup, and was placed by former England midfielder, Gareth Barry

Featured Image Credit: Getty