Arteta was part of City’s coaching staff for three and a half years before departing to take charge of Arsenal in December 2019 and will lock horns with his old club for the fourth time on Sunday.
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Despite their close working relationship during a period in which City won seven trophies, Guardiola does not believe he has influenced the Gunners’ boss’ coaching philosophy.
“He doesn’t need help,” he said. “He is more than well prepared.
“He is an important person in my life. Especially when we were in a lot of contact during our period here in Manchester - when things were going well here, he made me happy.
“I didn’t inspire him. What he knows he knows of himself. I am not any influence. What he is doing is credit to him and his backroom staff.”
Arsenal find themselves in 10th position in the Premier League going into Sunday’s clash and have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
However, Guardiola has been impressed with Arteta’s approach and is predicting he will have the Gunners competing for the title in the future.
“What I have seen in the last few months, every game Arsenal play they are better than their opponents,” added Pep.
“Sometimes you don’t win, you can’t control [that]. But what he is doing and the games in the last months, always they are better than the opponent.
“They control games, create chances and concede few. They have an exceptional build-up. They have incredible energy and they have quality in the middle to make the process well.
“They will be a real contender to fight for titles in the future.”
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