Mikel Arteta believes ​Manchester City have the best squad in the world and would not change them for anyone. Arteta has absolute faith in Pep Guardiola's talented squad, but still picked Real Madrid as Champions League favourites.





The City assistant coach did not want to draw a comparison with some of the tournament veterans, emphasising the Premier League holders' youthfulness.





Arteta's presser - key points:



- Real Madrid are still favourites for CL

- 'My players' are the best in the world

- Evades questions on Aguero/Mendy injuries

- Not phased by Pep's absence, although he would rather Pep be in charge

- Not willing to discuss Arsenal links pic.twitter.com/dDu5ciz5Gj — City Watch (@City_Watch) September 18, 2018





"It’s hard to make comparisons, we still have a very young squad," the City assistant manager said, as quoted by Irish Times.





"It is a surprise to be made favourites when there is a team out there that has won the competition three times in a row. Even if they have lost Cristiano Ronaldo I would still make Real Madrid the main favourites because of their history and their experience but I do think the Champions League is going to be quite open this season. There isn’t that much between the top teams."





Pep Guardiola will not be allowed to assist his team from the touchline due to the card he picked up last season in the quarter-final defeat to Liverpool, and Arteta revealed how gutted he was to miss the match.





"Obviously he is disappointed not to be as involved as normal but he had a reaction in the last game and we respect Uefa’s decision," Arteta said.





ARTETA: Pep had a very clear role for me when he asked me to join the club. I had played in the Premier League for years.



My learning here has been incredible. That will continue.



The decision to stay (in the summer) was made and I am so happy. — Manchester City (@ManCity) September 18, 2018





" We have a situation that we wouldn’t choose, but we will both be trying to do our best to make sure everything else is as normal as possible."



