Pep Guardiola has defeneded David Luiz and admitted that he ‘laughed out loud’ at the recent criticism of the Arsenal defender.
David Luiz’s form has been shambolic in his recent Arsenal games post lockdown.
Luiz was at fault for the opening goal and then was sent off when both the sides met last month at the Etihad.
FA Cup holders Manchester City face Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola labelled the Brazilian defender as an “exceptional player” and revealed he is a huge admirer of his style on the pitch and the way he conducts himself off it.
‘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.’
Guardiola also feels that his former assistant Mikel Arteta will help Arsenal bring back their glory years.
‘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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