Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reveals what he learned from his ‘masters’ Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger – ‘The best’

“I learned from Pep when I was 15 years old at Barcelona and then I had the opportunity to work with him and we had many great moments together. He was a master,” Arteta said.

“In my opinion, the greatest of all time. Someone who revolutionized the game and the way we understand it. It was an amazing experience to be a part of it and I’m so grateful.”

Arteta reveals what he learned from Wenger at Arsenal

Video credit: TNT Sports

“First of all, his love and respect for the game. And how much he wants his players to express themselves,” Arteta said of Wenger.

“He was really good at being firm when he wanted to, but also giving him the freedom and space to make decisions on the pitch. I think that was a great balance. And he was very, very consistent with that, very calm and calm as well.”

Arteta has built a team in his mold at Arsenal, leading them to the top of the Premier League this season.

Asked about the importance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jobar, the Arsenal manager said: “(He) is very important but it works because it’s part of our culture.”

“Eight years ago, when I brought Nico to Man City, it was to achieve something, to be part of something, because you can’t just separate the game from open plays, stats and set-pieces.

“It doesn’t work that way. Everything is too connected. It’s connected in the way we prepare, so all the coaches have to buy in, the players have to buy in, because it has to be a very linked process.”

“You need someone who is a better expert than you in certain areas.”

Arteta also reflected on the importance of learning from matches, especially defeats.

“Defeats are tough when you’re in the emotional state you’re in when you’re analyzing,” he said. “Our profession is completely different when we win than when we lose.

“It has to come from what I have to do to help the team more. Sometimes the first instinct is to just criticize the players. I think first of all you have to look in the mirror, how you prepare for the game, what the key messages are and what happened in the game.

“Now, let me be very honest: players have to recognize that vulnerability as well, but they have to remain confident.

“Many games give you the possibility to learn. Once the game is over, it’s too late. What does the game teach you at every moment? And you have to be consistent with it.”