Mikel Arteta has hailed Pep Guardiola as “the best coach in the history of football”, describing his former mentor’s impact on the Premier League as “remarkable” and “unique”.
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca now beginning a new era at the club. Maresca will face Arteta in his first competitive match as City manager when the two sides meet in Sunday’s Community Shield in Cardiff.
Arteta spent four years working alongside Guardiola on the City coaching staff before taking over at Arsenal in 2019. Reflecting on Guardiola’s departure, the Spaniard said he could not praise his former colleague highly enough.
“I’m probably going to fall short in the way I can praise what he’s done,” Arteta said.
“First of all for the Premier League, for the country, the way he has opened a different way of understanding the game, and I think he has escalated the Premier League to a different level.
“He has brought standards to something that we haven’t witnessed before. I was very lucky to be part of it for four years and to understand and witness how it’s done daily. It’s remarkable, it’s unique.”
Guardiola’s success has extended across several countries and leagues, but Arteta believes his ability to sustain that level over such a long period makes his achievements particularly impressive.
“He’s done it in many different countries and leagues, but in a really consistent and sustainable way, which is the hardest thing to do,” he said.
“I’ve always said before that I think he’s the best coach in the history of football for many reasons.”
Arteta also credited Guardiola with raising standards across the Premier League coaching landscape, although he admitted managers may not necessarily miss having to compete against his teams.
“I think he’s going to be missed in the Premier League – I don’t know if as coaches we’ll miss him so much!” Arteta said.
Arteta pays glowing tribute to Guardiola ahead of Community Shield
“It’s so difficult to play against him and to compete in the manner that he does with his teams.”
The Arsenal boss expressed particular gratitude for his time working with Guardiola and the influence that experience had on his own coaching career.
“First of all, I have gratitude for the time I have had with him, which was incredible,” Arteta said.
“He’s elevated all the coaches and teams to work in different ways, and he’s made all of us better. He’s been a pleasure.”
With Guardiola’s departure bringing an end to a defining era at City, Arteta has welcomed Maresca’s appointment and believes his former colleague can bring something different to the club.
“Now it’s Enzo, who is as good as him because I know him well,” Arteta said. “He’ll provide something different to the club and I wish him the best.”
The Community Shield will therefore mark the beginning of a new chapter for City, while Arsenal arrive in Cardiff as Premier League champions after ending a 22-year wait for the title last season.