Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly backed Enzo Maresca to perform an “unbelievable job” at Manchester City after the former Chelsea boss stepped in to replace Pep Guardiola. The two clubs are set to face off in the Community Shield in Cardiff this Sunday, marking Maresca’s first major test since Guardiola concluded his decade-long tenure at the club.
Reflecting on his former mentor during a Friday press conference, Arteta paid tribute to Guardiola, who secured 20 major trophies during his time at the Etihad Stadium. “First of all for the Premier League, I think for the country, I think the way he has opened a different way of understanding the game. Here, I think he has escalated the Premier League to a different level,” Arteta noted.
Arteta, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at City, emphasized the value of his time working alongside the Spaniard. “I was very lucky to be part of that for four years and understand and witness how it’s done daily. I think it’s remarkable and unique,” he added.
The Arsenal boss did not shy away from high praise, stating, “I would say that he’s the best coach in the history of football. For many reasons, he’s done it in different countries, in different ways. So, I think he will be missed in the Premier League.”
Looking ahead to the new era at City, Arteta expressed confidence in the club’s choice of successor. “What I know is that Enzo has the personality, the character, and especially the knowledge to have an unbelievable job there,” he said. “That’s why he’s been selected, because they could probably pick anybody and they’ve gone for Enzo for the right reasons.”
Arteta further noted that Maresca has already proven his capabilities in high-pressure environments. “He has demonstrated that at every level. What he’s done in the Champions League and what he’s done, when he’s been at Chelsea and now here, so I have no doubt that he will do a great job.”
Regarding the upcoming Community Shield, Arteta confirmed that England stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka could feature, alongside new arrivals Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis. “We are really excited to start the season, to start with the first trophy,” Arteta said. “All the internationals are back and we can’t wait to start competing.”
The manager remains focused on immediate success, adding, “The best version has to be on Sunday and that’s the intention, that we have the best performance and the best way to start the season by lifting the first trophy.”
When questioned about ongoing transfer speculation, including reports linking the Gunners to Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, Arteta remained tight-lipped. “I’m not going to talk about any individuals (elsewhere),” he said. “Obviously what I can tell you is the ambition of the club. We want to improve the squad, we want to evolve the squad in order to achieve that.”
Here, I think he has escalated the Premier League to a different level,” Arteta said of Guardiola, who won 20 major trophies during his 10-year spell in charge of City.
I know him well and he will provide something different to the club.
Comments