Date published: Thursday 26th January 2023 1:31 – Ben Stewart
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Pep Guardiola has recognised Mikel Arteta’s role in his managerial career and how the Arsenal boss has turned things around at the Emirates.
Arsenal face Manchester City on Friday night in the FA Cup Fourth Round. The two sides are yet to face each other this season with two Premier League fixtures still to come.
The Gunners currently hold a five-point lead over City with a game in hand. As things stand, Arsenal are currently projected to pick up 100 points this season.
Guardiola has spoken on the influence Arteta has had on his own coaching career as the pair are set to face off on Friday.
When asked why he chose to work with Arteta, the Man City boss explained (via Manchester Evening News): “I knew him a little bit. We make conversations. He said he’d like to work together, he can help because he knows the Premier League and the managers.
“The first game against David Moyes, he said I know him well from Everton. After 15 minutes, half an hour, I said this is the guy to anticipate.
“You know sooner or later, but to anticipate the knowledge to go to Stoke away, or every stadium. A guy many years here. I don’t know my part on him but his influence on me was so important to become a better manager.
“I know he went to his club, a supporter, he was a captain there. He loves the club. I remember here when we score goals he jumps a lot except one team. He was sitting there. It was Arsenal. I said that guy likes Arsenal.”
Arteta has done a superb job at Arsenal, but there’s no denying that there were some huge question marks over him during his first couple of seasons.
When asked if he ever feared for Arteta’s future, Guardiola added: “No, I know how he works, how he seduces the board, hierarchy, players.
“It’s tough, sporting directors see the dressing room, how they solve problems and behave in bad moments. It’s not easy. In big clubs, you need results immediately.
“To be success with Arsenal, to come back from the position in the past, 90’s, it’s not winning one title, it’s to come back for the way they want to behave.
“It needs time. Think how big the squad, players come in. They are active again. It doesn’t come from one day, sometimes you need more time than you expect.
“He relies on the club, they rely on him. That’s the result they have. We as a club need this type of challenge. We have to adjust some things, this is the challenge.
“It was Liverpool, now is Arsenal, welcome Newcastle. There are a lot of clubs to fight for titles and qualify for Champions League.”
The FA Cup clash on Friday night will be an interesting opportunity to see both sides in action against one another.
READ MORE: ‘Exactly what we needed’ – Wright impressed with Trossard and sends clear message to Arsenal targets
