Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered his support to Enzo Maresca, predicting that the new Manchester City boss will perform an “unbelievable job” in his new role. Maresca takes the helm following the exit of Pep Guardiola, who concluded his decade-long tenure at the club at the end of last season.
The two clubs are set to face off in the Community Shield in Cardiff this Sunday, marking Maresca’s first major test since stepping into the position. Arteta, who previously served as an assistant to Guardiola at City, acknowledged the significant impact his former mentor had on the English game.
Reflecting on Guardiola’s legacy, which includes 20 major trophies, Arteta stated, “He has escalated the Premier League to a different level.” He credited Guardiola with introducing a unique understanding of football, adding, “I would say that he’s the best coach in the history of football. He will be missed in the Premier League.”
Arteta, who recently guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years, expressed his respect for the incoming manager. “I know him well and he will provide something different to the club,” Arteta said. “Enzo has the personality, the character, and especially the knowledge to have an unbelievable job there.”
He further noted that City’s decision to appoint Maresca was deliberate, citing the manager’s previous work at Chelsea and in the Champions League as evidence of his capability. “They could probably pick anybody and they’ve gone for Enzo for the right reasons,” he added.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Community Shield, Arteta confirmed that England internationals Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are in contention to play. Additionally, new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis are expected to make their debut appearances for the Gunners.
“We are really excited to start the season, to start with the first trophy,” Arteta remarked. “All the internationals are back and we can’t wait to start competing. 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.”
Addressing ongoing transfer speculation, the Arsenal boss remained tight-lipped regarding reports linking the club to Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah after unsuccessful attempts to sign Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa.
“I’m not going to talk about any individuals,” Arteta 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.” The report also notes that arteta, once Guardiola’s assistant at City, paid tribute to his old boss during a pre-match press conference on Friday but expects Arsenal’s title rivals to remain a force under former Chelsea manager Maresca. The report also notes 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. The report also notes that i was very lucky to be part of that for four years and understand and witness how it’s done daily.
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