He certainly looked the part. Mikel Arteta, Man City’s assistant stepped in for his boss Pep Guardiola at today’s press conference ahead of their Champions League tie v Lyon tomorrow,
Pep is serving a touchline ban for the European tie so allowed Arteta, who will be coaching the side from the touchline, to take the pre-match press conference. He was incredibly composed and well-spoken throughout the questioning and looked at home in the hot seat.
He stated: First of all, i am privileged to be here and I am very fulfilled. But if you ask me one day will I be a head coach, the answer is probably yes.
But we have fantastic momentum and there is lots of room for this Club to grow.”
Arteta was hotly tipped to get the Arsenal job after the department of Arsene Wenger but now seems set to take a first team job elsewhere after the arrival of Unai Emery. With Pep Guardiola’s contract due to expire at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, many are tipping Arteta to be the perfect replacement, with his knowledge of the players and the club.
The former Arsenal midfielder said: “ For me we have the best players in the world. I wouldn’t change my players for any others. They are absolutely fantastic, the mix between senior and younger players, it’s incredible. People talk about money and other things but they have to see what is inside this club, which is phenomenal.”
When speaking about Pep, the Man City assistant was full of praise:
“Really good, really easy, very hand-on. He leaves space for everyone to express themselves. We have grown up at Barcelona with the same philosophy and mentality so we’ve clicked together .”
He is also relishing the pressure that is coming with being one of the favourites for Champions League glory this season.
“I think the reason is how consistent we’ve been in the way we play and the way we play against big teams in this competition. It’s a very difficult competition and tomorrow I am sure will face a tough game again.”
My learning here has been incredible. That will continue.
The decision to stay (in the summer) was made and I am so happy.
