Super jealous

Mikel Arteta has been appointed as Arsenal’s new coach. Super excited, and jealous for the Gunners. Many say this is a risky decision from the London club, but I’m sure it will pay off.

Born in San Sebastián, Mikel Arteta began his footballing career at Antiguoko, where, oddly enough, he played with his friend Xabi Alonso as they dreamed of succeeding together at Real Sociedad. Xabi did make that step, but Arteta landed at La Masía in 1997, the same year as Cesc. Mikel did play for Barça B, but never with the first team, except for preseason. It was in trainings with the big boys where he met Pep.

Mikel left on loan to PSG in 2000 and would then move to the PL, eventually retiring at Arsenal in 2016. On that June, without having ever coached before, Guardiola named Arteta as his assistant at City. That speaks volumes.

Well, Arteta had previously led several training sessions at Arsenal as Wenger allowed him to do so for “his eye for small details”. At City, apart from tactics, Mikel has had a key role in the development of Sterling, devoting much of his time to work on his receptions and body shape.

Recently, Gabriel Jesus said: “He has helped a lot of players. When I want to do finishing after training, I tell him and he comes and helps me. He’s really fantastic. All the players know that – everyone knows that in the club”. Arteta has been praised by the likes of Pochettino and Wenger too.

Today, in his first presser with Arsenal, he explained that “I was born in Barcelona [footballing wise], a club with similar styles and values”. Despite having only been at La Masía for 3 years, Arteta has always said that his principles have been hugely influenced by Barça. “Positional play is non-ne-go-tia-ble”, he once responded.

With the conviction and clear ideas Barça need, as well as an incredible respect, class and warmth with everyone, I see him overqualified for the Arsenal job…and to become a Barcelona manager one day. I actually thought about him in the summer as a candidate to replace Valverde.

For me 3 of the most promising young Spanish managers at present precisely are Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Arteta.

First steps for Mikel.