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The Gunners boss named two managers who laid the foundations for his excellent work with Arsenal
Mikel Arteta's journey as Arsenal manager has been nothing short of remarkable, with the Spaniard reflecting on the profound impact of his appointment and the influential mentors who shaped his career.
The Joy of Leading Arsenal
Arteta's appointment as Arsenal manager in December 2019 marked a pivotal moment in his life. The former Gunners midfielder expressed immense joy at the opportunity to take charge of the club he once represented on the pitch. Arteta's belief in his ability to make a significant impact at Arsenal was unwavering, making the occasion one of the happiest days of his life.
Reflecting on his appointment, Arteta told FedEX's Outside The Box series: "When we went through the process and I was one of the candidates that Arsenal had in the list to become the new manager, I had a strong belief that I was going to impact the club and the team in a really strong way. It was one of the happiest days of my life."
Gratitude to Arsene Wenger
Arsene Wenger, the legendary Arsenal manager, played a pivotal role in Arteta's development both as a player and as a leader. Arteta credits Wenger for giving him the opportunity to fulfill his dreams at Arsenal and for instilling in him essential leadership qualities.
Arteta expressed his gratitude, saying: "The opportunity Arsene [Wenger] gave me to be part of this football club (Arsenal) as a player, it was something that I had dreamed about many, many, many times in my football career... Arsene's impact on my career has been tremendous."
Learning from Pep Guardiola
Arteta's coaching journey was further enriched during his tenure as Pep Guardiola's assistant manager at Manchester City. Guardiola's relentless work ethic and tactical acumen left an indelible mark on Arteta, who views the Catalan mastermind as a genius in the world of football.
Speaking about Guardiola, Arteta said: "I've known him [Pep Guardiola] since I was 15 years old. And we see the game in a really similar way because we've been educated in the same academy. For me, Pep is a genius and he works harder than I've ever seen anybody work."
Arteta eyes success with Arsenal
As Arsenal finds itself embroiled in a thrilling title race alongside the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, Arteta's experiences under Wenger and Guardiola serve as guiding lights in his managerial journey. The lessons learned from these esteemed mentors have equipped Arteta with the tools and mindset needed to navigate the challenges of elite-level football management.
Mikel Arteta's journey from player to manager is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and dedication. As he leads Arsenal's charge for glory in both domestic and European competitions, Arteta's reverence for Wenger and Guardiola continues to shape his approach and philosophy.
With their guidance and his own determination, Arteta seeks to etch his name in Arsenal's storied history while inspiring the next generation of football leaders.
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