When Mikel Arteta worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, he earned the respect of several players in the squad, including Fernando.
The Brazilian midfielder left City one season after Guardiola arrived, but during his time working with Arteta, he formed a strong impression of his coaching ability and leadership qualities. Arteta was heavily involved in training sessions and player development under Guardiola, which allowed him to build experience for his future career in management.
Early Impressions at Manchester City
Fernando and his teammates observed Arteta’s attention to detail on the training ground, noting how effectively he communicated ideas and helped players improve within Guardiola’s system.
These early experiences contributed to the belief among some players that he would eventually become a successful manager, as his understanding of the game and ability to manage people stood out even at that stage.
Managerial Rise at Arsenal
Arteta later took charge of Arsenal at the end of 2019, beginning his first role as a head coach and starting a new chapter in his career.
He has since guided the club to a league title, their first since 2004, and has also overseen strong performances in European competition, strengthening his reputation as a top-level manager.
As reported by ESPN, Fernando said: “Arteta showed great potential on the field, and I was fortunate to have him as Guardiola’s assistant as well. Talking to him, Fernandinho and I even joked once, ‘Wow, if you become the coach, take us with you as assistants,’ because we saw that potential in him, that quality he had not only as a coach but also as a people manager.”
His comments underline the early belief within the City dressing room that Arteta possessed the qualities required to succeed as a manager, combining tactical understanding with strong communication skills, which later became central to his success at Arsenal and his development into a leading coach in European football.
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A huge number of managers has tried but Mikel did it, and he has lifted the life quality for many people, which we already have seen. It’s time to give the man the credit he deserves. Arsenal will have a beautiful day tomorrow and Silver Mikel can relax and feel our gratitude. Champions Of England! We know what we are 🔴⚪️💯
Pep Guarrdiola knew this day was coming, the changing of the guards.
This prove a dificult campaign for the serial winner, The apprentice steps by step becoming the master.
In the final hours prior to the changing of the guard, Pep Guarrdiola could be seen desperately trying to motivate a West Ham team fighting relegation, as if their own predicament wasn’t enough to fight for points.
But his minds game earlier in his press conference was the first sign, the man city legend was beginning shake under his own weight
The changing of the guard, in his final hours prior to Arsenal lifting that big ears jug, Pep Guarrdiola could be seen desperately trying to motivate West Ham player, as if the Hammers present predicament wasn’t enough.
Arsenal squad, manager and staff have created history now. Last time I looked our champions league [form stats] showed as better than our domestic league. *Our season will get better.
Many media pundits portray that PSG are a better side than arsenal – this idea will be tested to the limit. So don’t expect the gunners to turn up with canons on their crest then to be shown as shrinking violets, one way or another the squad depth is a marker that convinces me we will win 1-nil.