EPL: It’s not easy – Guardiola defends Mikel Arteta over recent comments

<p>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has defended his Arsenal counterpart, Mikel Arteta, following his explosive rant over the state of Premier League officiating.</p>, <p>Guardiola said it is ‘difficult to handle’ controversial decisions in the heat of the moment.</p>, <p>DAILY POST recalls that Arteta ploughed into the officials after Anthony Gordon’s goal was allowed to stand during Arsenal’s Premier League 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park over the weekend.</p>, <p>Arteta branded the decision an ‘embarrassment’ and a ‘disgrace’.</p>, <p>However, when asked about the current state of VAR after Arteta’s rant, Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Man City’s Champions League tie with Young Boys on Tuesday: “I have the feeling that in every country there is a little bit of confusion about many things…the emotion after the game is difficult for the managers, right after being here and talking about the feelings that are so high.</p>, <p>“It’s difficult to handle it. Me, I am talking for myself; I’m not talking for Mikel or for any other manager; I’m talking for myself. It’s not easy.</p>, <p>“Hopefully we can improve things. They decide we cannot talk with the fourth official; we cannot do anything. The situation was quite similar last season; it didn’t change much.”</p>