Arsenal: Mikel Arteta responds to new Fabian Hurzeler message over criticism from Brighton boss | OneFootball

Feud between rival Premier League managers looks to be over

Mikel Arteta said he appreciated Fabian Hurzeler privately messaging him to clarify his comments aimed at Arsenal.

Arteta was asked about that exchange at his own press conference ahead of Arsenal's match at home to Everton but declined to provide details.

"No, that's a personal conversation," Arteta said. "Obviously he's made public certain comments that he made before. That says a lot of positive things about him as a person. I appreciate that.

"The rest, I think he's a fantastic coach. The job he's doing at Brighton is really, really good. That's fine."

There was a tension between the two managers throughout the match at the Amex Stadium, with Arteta jabbing a finger in Hurzeler's direction at one stage after the German had repeatedly complained to the fourth official.

When he was told about Hurzeler's press conference comments, which included his belief that only one team tried to win the match, Arteta responded: "What a surprise."

Hurzeler was more cordial on Friday, when he was keen to emphasise the respect he had for Arteta and Arsenal.

"I didn’t want to create that noise, I just wanted to make my point about how I was feeling," Hurzeler said.

"Nothing to do with what they have achieved, it’s incredible. Arteta is one of the best managers in the world for me, he is a role model – but it is important to say your opinion and not hide your opinion. Even when you are a smaller club.

“I texted him saying that ‘I have huge respect for everyone at Arsenal’.

“If they win the Premier League, they definitely deserve it, but it’s just things that made me emotional, and I’m a person who sticks to his principles and opinions.

“It created a lot of noise, but it’s important to stand to your opinion – but I did tell Mikel that I have huge respect [for him]. Nothing should stand between us, and the work continues."

Hurzeler confirmed that Arteta did reply to his text, though suggested that the pair did not necessarily come to an agreement on the situation.

“Yes, we had a good exchange," Hurzeler said. "He shared his opinion and I shared mine. That is what football is about, everyone defending their side.”