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Pep Guardiola says treatment of Arsene Wenger has been 'unacceptable'

Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola before a Champions League match in Barcelona in March 2011
Image: Pep Guardiola has sprung to the defence of Arsene Wenger

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola thinks the recent criticism of his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger has been "unacceptable".

Wenger has been in charge at Arsenal for over 20 years but his position has come under intense scrutiny following last week's 5-1 Champions League hammering at Bayern Munich.

Guardiola, however, feels the criticism which has come the way of the Frenchman has been out of order and thinks he deserves more respect.

When asked about his decision to make eight changes for Saturday's 0-0 FA Cup fifth round draw at Huddersfield the City boss replied: "My friend, I take the decisions, you analyse my decisions.

Arsene Wenger could only look on as his side were beaten 5-1 by Bayern Munich
Image: Wenger's position at Arsenal has come under more scrutiny following the 5-1 defeat by Bayern Munich

"You have to take a decision before [the game], to the best solution. It was what I did. If you don't agree, you can write it.

"What I hear in the last 10 days, about how people, ex-players, journalists, treat Arsene Wenger is unacceptable.

"Our job, in that moment, doesn't have any respect for any position, so it is not respectable, what happened.

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Watch the best bits of Arsene Wenger's press conference where the Arsenal manager answers questions on the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich and his

"That is why we take the decisions and you can say whatever you want."

Wenger is out of contract in the summer but said on Friday that he would not be retiring in the summer, even if it means managing a club other than Arsenal.

The Frenchman thinks he could remain a manager for another four years and says his preference would be to remain with Arsenal.

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