Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals what he learned from 'master' Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger - 'The best'
Published 09/02/2026 at 19:59 GMT
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An education from Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger proved instrumental for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has established himself as one of the best coaches in the Premier League as he hunts an elusive first league title as a head coach. The Spaniard has reflected on what he learned from Guardiola and Wenger, as well as the importance of hiring experts and effectively analysing defeats.
Arteta on working with 'master' Guardiola at Man City
Video credit: TNT Sports
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed what he learned under the guidance of both Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger.
Arteta played under the latter at Arsenal, before working alongside Guardiola as Manchester City's assistant manager from 2016 to 2019.
He became Gunners manager after leaving City, having been influenced by two Premier League greats.
In an interview on TNT Sports with Winchmore Hill manager Alex Lodge, Arteta was asked about his tutelage under Guardiola.
"I learned from Pep since I was 15 in Barcelona, and then I had the privilege to work with him, to experience so many incredible moments together, and he was a master," Arteta said.
"The best, in my opinion, in history. Someone who has revolutionised the game and the way of understanding it. Being part of that was an incredible experience, and I'm very grateful."
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Arteta reveals what he learned from Wenger at Arsenal
Video credit: TNT Sports
On Wenger, Arteta said: "The first thing is his love and respect for the game. And then how much he wanted players to express themselves.
"He was really good at being firm when he wanted, but allowing you the freedom and space to make decisions on the pitch. I think that was a great balance, and he was very, very consistent with that, and very calm and composed as well."
Arteta has gone on to forge a team in his own mould at Arsenal, guiding his side to the top of the Premier League table in the current campaign.
While there remain shades of Guardiola and Wenger in his team's style of play, Arteta's side have become known for set-pieces and stingy defending.
Asked about the importance of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, the Arsenal boss said: "[He is] very important, but that works because it's part of our culture.
"Eight years ago, when I brought Nico to Man City, it was to fulfil something, to be part of something, because you cannot isolate the game on open play or stats or set-pieces.
"It doesn't work like that. Everything is too connected. It's connected in the way that you prepare, so you need all the coaches to buy in, the players to buy in, because it has to be a process that is so linked.
"You have to have experts that are better than you in certain parts."
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Arteta also reflected on the importance of learning from matches, particularly defeats.
"The emotional state you are in when you're analysing, defeats are tough," he said. "Our profession, when you win or lose, it's completely different.
"It has to come from a place of what you have to do to help the team more. The first instinct is sometimes just to criticise the players. I think you have to look first of all in the mirror: how you prepare the game, what are the key messages and what happened in the game.
"Then be very honest; players have to see that vulnerability as well, but they have to remain confident.
"A lot of the games give you the possibility to learn. After the game is too late. What is the game teaching you in every moment? And you have to be consistent in that."
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