Under fire David Luiz has found an unlikely ally in the shape of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal defender Luiz has had a difficult return to the field after lockdown and was particularly bad as his team lost 3-0 to City in their first game back a month ago. The Brazilian made a mistake for one of City’s goals that night and was also sent off.
But as City and Arsenal prepare to go head to head once again in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, Guardiola has heaped praise on Luiz and pointed the finger at his TV critics.
‘I have an incredible respect for him and for what he has done in his career,’ said Guardiola.
‘He is an exceptional player and has an incredible mentality and especially personality.
‘I laugh out loud when I hear the pundits. A lot of them were defenders and they believe they didn’t make one mistake in their career even though they played for 15 or 20 years.
‘I like that Luiz still plays football and I’m pretty sure he’s going to make a lot of good actions, some more mistakes as that’s part of the game. But he does it with dignity. I’ve a lot of respect for him.’
City face Arsenal having beaten them in their last seven games and having scored at least three goals in six of those matches.
Despite this, Guardiola believes his former assistant Mikel Arteta – who left City for Arsenal last December – is already making his presence felt and will eventually take the Gunners back to the top.
‘I’m pretty sure the right person to bring them back is there now,’ he said. ‘When the club support him they have the right man.
‘I’ve a feeling he is creating something unique, if they give him what he needs they’ll be a contender in future years.
‘They have something special, team spirit. Mikel has created that from outside. They celebrate, they fight, they are creating something special and they are fighting for something special. It will be difficult for us in this game.’
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