In the lead-up to the Arsenal versus Chelsea encounter, Mikel Arteta made public that Mauricio Pochettino, whom he considers a role model, had advised him against pursuing a coaching career.
Back in the early phase of Arteta’s career, more than two decades ago, the duo shared a playing stint at Paris-Saint Germain.
However, come Saturday, they will find themselves in opposing positions at Stamford Bridge, as Arsenal endeavors to secure the top spot in the Premier League table while Chelsea aims to sustain their recent resurgence.
During his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta expressed admiration for his Argentine counterpart in a cordial manner.
‘It was my first professional opportunity in Paris and we arrived together at the same time,’ said the Spaniard, who was on loan at the club from Barcelona. ‘We lived together in a hotel for three months.’
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‘He was critical. He’s been one of the most influential people in my football career, first of all as a player. He took me under his arm.’
‘He looked after me like a little child, like a little brother, and he was a big part of the success I had in Paris because he really looked after me, gave me a lot of confidence and advice.’
‘He has been a role model for me since that day, not only when I was a player but as a manager as well because I had to make a decision to leave playing and start my coaching career.’
‘He had a big say in that and I will always be grateful for what he has done for me.’
However, the 41-year-old Arteta also divulged that Pochettino, having previously managed Tottenham and PSG, had advised him to steer clear of coaching.
Arteta while smiling, said the Argentine, who is 10 years older than him, told him: ‘Don’t go into coaching. It’s too hard’.
‘I knew he was going to be a coach,’ he added. ‘I followed him very closely. As a player he was already a leader — the way he understood the game, he was phenomenal. I used to have him in my back and he was constantly coaching me.’