Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took a swipe at Arsenal on Monday by admitting he does not respect them off the pitch, reports AFP.
Guardiola's side were knocked out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage by Arsenal on Saturday as the Gunners won 2-0 at Wembley.
Guardiola was impressed by Arsenal's play under his former assistant Mikel Arteta, but he made a distinction in his thoughts about the north London club when it comes to their approach away from the pitch.
Guardiola's anger with Arsenal is thought to come from the
role they played in the group of eight Premier League clubs perceived to have turned on City during their successful appeal against a two-year Champions league ban.
The group wrote to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
(CAS), to try to ensure any attempt by City to delay their two-year ban while their appeal was ongoing was dismissed.
City had their ban overturned by CAS earlier this month, but Guardiola told reporters: "The opponents always deserve my respect and credit, and Arsenal, they have it.
"I have all the respect for what Arsenal are on the pitch -- not much off the pitch, but on the pitch a lot. So I congratulate them and good luck against Chelsea in the final."
Meanwhile, Guardiola says he is "optimistic" as City prepare to resume their bid for Champions League glory against Real Madrid.
City will host the Spanish champions in the second leg of their last 16 tie on August 7.
