Mikel Arteta Fulfills Dream, Credits Wenger and Guardiola for Shaping Him as a Manager
Mikel Arteta’s journey to becoming Arsenal manager wasn’t just a professional step, it was a personal triumph. Arteta recently revealed that being appointed to the role was one of the happiest days of his life.
A Dream Job and Healthy Fear
Looking back on the selection process, Mikel Arteta acknowledges the initial fear that accompanied the excitement. However, his long-held dream of managing Arsenal and years of preparation outweighed the apprehension.
This dream wasn’t born recently. Mikel Arteta joined Arsenal as a player in 2011, and his gratitude towards Arsene Wenger who facilitated that move is clear.
Wenger’s Influence on Arteta’s Leadership
Wenger’s impact wasn’t limited to just offering Arteta a chance to play for the club he admired. Appointing Arteta as captain significantly boosted his leadership skills. The trust and communication fostered by Wenger were instrumental in Arteta’s development.
“Arsène’s impact on my career has been tremendous,” said Arteta on FedEX’s Outside The Box Series.
Guardiola’s Work Ethic Leaves a Mark
Another influential figure in Arteta’s managerial journey is Pep Guardiola. Their time working together at Manchester City between 2016 and 2019 proved to be a valuable learning experience.
According to Arteta, Guardiola’s work ethic stands out as a key factor behind his immense success. Witnessing Guardiola’s dedication firsthand left a lasting impression on Arteta.
“Pep is a genius and he works harder than I’ve ever seen anybody work. That is the secret (to his success), the discipline and the consistency that he has,” said Arteta.
Interestingly, Manchester City is now a direct competitor for Arsenal in the ongoing Premier League title race. With seven games remaining, Arsenal sits atop the table, one point ahead of City, making their past connections even more intriguing.
