“Are you crazy?” – The Manchester City manager wanted his perspective on the Gunners from close up
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
13:14, 27 Oct 2025
Daniel Farke says he speaks to Pep Guardiola “a lot”(Image: DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Daniel Farke has explained how he received a call from Pep Guardiola following Leeds United’s 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in August, ahead of Manchester City’s own clash with the Gunners.
Leeds’ first away game back in the Premier League was a crash back down to earth following the late 1-0 win over Everton on the opening day. “They were the better side. They had five shots on target and scored all five shots,” Farke said afterwards.
“Long story short, when a team like Arsenal is on it, one of the most consistent teams in Europe, it’s always difficult.
“Their first home game when everyone is fully on it and the new signings [Eberechi Eze] are presented before kick off and the stadium is buzzing – it’s always difficult for a newly-promoted side.”
Four weeks later, Manchester City would travel to the Emirates Stadium to face their title rivals in a game that ultimately finished 1-1. Ahead of that match, Farke received a call from Guardiola about Leeds’ trip to north London.
“I still talk a lot with Pep,” Farke told German podcast Spielmacher “The last time he called and wanted to chat with me about Arsenal before his guys played against Arsenal.”
He jested: “OK, are you crazy? We just played against Arsenal, lost 5-0 – what am I supposed to tell you about playing against Arsenal? And no one knows Mikel better than you, you have worked with him.
“But yes, if you have such appreciation from the best in your trade, it’s always good. I don’t like to talk about it publicly, because it always sounds so fishing for compliments.
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“I don’t have the feeling now, because I talk with Pep or Jurgen Klopp, that I’m a top coach. You can see what I do in our football life.
“But of course, if you have such appreciation from the best in your field, it’s always an acknowledgment. If someone asks you for advice, that’s great because they appreciate your opinion. That’s really one of the most beautiful compliments.”
Read what Farke said about his working relationship with Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer Klopp here.
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