Key Highlights
- Mikel Arteta discusses the influence of former manager Arsene Wenger on his career.
- Arsenal host Tottenham in a north London derby with a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
- Arteta has named Wenger as one of four main mentors on his career, alongside Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, and David Moyes.
- The Arsenal manager reveals how he sometimes asks himself “what would Arsene Wenger do?” in certain situations.
Arteta Reflects on Wenger’s Influence in Premier League Derby
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has opened up about the profound influence former manager Arsene Wenger had on his career as he prepares for a crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Arteta, who was Arsenal’s captain under Wenger for over a decade before taking charge himself in 2019, spoke to Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth at the club’s training ground.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him,” Arteta stated. “What he lived and what he installed in me allowed me to live in this football club. He’s constantly here, even though he doesn’t physically work with us anymore.” This sentiment reflects the lasting impact Wenger had on Arteta, who often finds himself pondering how his former mentor would handle certain situations.
Wenger Among Four Key Mentors
In an exclusive interview, Arteta highlighted four key mentors that have shaped his managerial style. Alongside Arsene Wenger, the Spaniard named Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, and David Moyes as influential figures in his career development. “They are part of me,” Arteta explained, emphasizing how their teachings continue to guide him even years after they were directly involved in his journey.
Emulating Wenger’s Success
Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League table with a three-point lead over Tottenham as they prepare for this weekend’s north London derby. Arteta is keen on emulating Wenger’s achievements, particularly those of delivering Premier League titles to Arsenal in North London. “Especially when I’m thinking about a player,” he added, “I would think: let me sit in his chair and see what he thinks.” This approach underscores the depth of Arteta’s respect for Wenger.
Personal Growth and Leadership
The interview also touched on personal growth. Since taking over as Arsenal manager six years ago, Arteta has noted a change in his demeanor. “It’s an evolution of a human being,” he said, attributing this to the experiences and challenges faced during his time at the club. “The people around me are different now and they’re transmitting different things to me now.” Despite this, Arteta remains committed to delivering results that could finally end Arsenal’s trophy drought.
Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching as Arteta leads the team into a derby match that carries significant weight. With Wenger’s legacy still very much present in the mind of the current manager, the upcoming fixture promises to be a fascinating test of leadership and tactical acumen under pressure.
