Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has officially declared Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola the preeminent manager in the history of the sport. During a recent interview with TNT Sports, Arteta reflected on his long-standing relationship with his fellow countryman, describing his time serving as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium as a defining period of his professional life. The Gunners boss emphasized that his admiration for the veteran coach began decades ago during their shared history at Barcelona’s academy.
Arteta credited Guardiola with fundamentally altering the tactical landscape of modern football, suggesting that the “master” has shifted how global audiences perceive the game. Having witnessed Guardiola’s meticulous methods firsthand from 2016 to 2019, Arteta expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to a period of unprecedented domestic dominance. He believes the standard established by the City manager remains the ultimate benchmark for any aspiring coach in the Premier League and beyond.
“I have learnt from Pep since I was 15, when we first met at Barcelona,” Arteta told TNT Sports. “Then I had the privilege to work with him and to experience so many incredible moments together. He was a master, in my opinion the best in history. He has revolutionised the game and the way people understand the game. To be a part of that was just an incredible experience. I am very grateful.”
The relationship between the two tacticians remains a focal point of the current title race, as Arteta now leads Arsenal in direct competition against his mentor’s side. Despite the professional rivalry, the Arsenal manager maintains that the personal bond and educational foundation he received under Guardiola continue to influence his own coaching philosophy in North London. Analysts suggest that this mutual respect adds a unique psychological dimension to the ongoing battle for English football supremacy.
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