Pep Guardiola says he knows exactly how Arsene Wenger feels and concedes he may have to face a similar flak one day.
Wenger has been subjected to series of criticism since Arsenal were completely outclassed by Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Both teams are set to meet again in a rescheduled match on Thursday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “I always support my colleagues because we feel the same when we win, when we lose.
“We accept the opinions of the fans and the people and you feel alone. Believe me, you feel alone because there’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders.
“I understand completely. I’d like to tell him that I am close, I am on the same side as him. That’s why I don’t understand when other managers criticise the other managers.
“It’s tough to send a message to the other ones from here because everyone understands how you feel when you lose.
“What happened can happen to me in the future. We won, I’m good. Arsene Wenger didn’t win so he’s not good.”
Sergio Aguero will go into the game needing just a goal to reach his double century for the club. The Argentine has scored in his last five games against Arsenal.
Guardiola said: “199? Wow. We are so delighted with what he’s done these two years, with the goals he has scored and the way he has tried to help us with and without the ball.
“I think English football, European football, world football has a big recognition about Sergio. I am delighted with the goals he has scored so far.
“He has three months to score more and more and more goals. He’s one of the best strikers, of course.”
