Manchester City legend, Sergio Aguero is of the opinion that Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta would be a suitable replacement for Pep Guardiola at the Etihad.
While speaking to the press recently, the Argentine striker revealed that he believes Arteta would be more than qualified to take over at Manchester City whenever Pep Guardiola decides to quit managing the English club.
According to him, even if Pep extended his contract late last year, an exit is still inevitable, and there will be no better person to succeed the Spanish manager than a younger Spanish manager who is as forward-thinking as Guardiola.
Aguero said, looking at the brilliant job Mikel has been doing at Arsenal, no other proof is needed that he’ll have what it takes to take City to the next level when Pep decides his time is up at the club.
“Pep has extended his contract and Arteta has been doing a brilliant job at Arsenal. The point is moot right now, but if what you’re looking for is a forward-thinking answer and whether Arteta could be a good manager for City – I’d say he’s qualified for the task,” he said.
Over the years, Arteta has not been one to shy away from praising those who paved the way for him as a coach, and he has never failed to seize any opportunity he gets to appreciate Pep’s major influence on his managerial career.
Speaking recently after his players completely dismantled Real Madrid to reach the UCL semis, Arteta disclosed that he reached out to Guardiola beforehand to seek advice on how to handle the Spanish club, especially at their intimidating Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
According to the Gunners boss, Pep came through with his experience as a UCL manager, and the knowledge definitely helped his players cope admirably well during the intense second leg of their quarterfinal clash in Spain.
“I called him (Guardiola) this morning because I am here thanks to him. As a player and a coach he has been an inspiration to me. I had four amazing years with him, and I will always be grateful to him,” he added.
Pep Guardiola ended rumours of an exit in 2024 when he penned a new deal until the summer of 2027, and coincidentally, Arteta’s Arsenal contract will run until then. Recall that Arteta worked under Pep as assistant coach at Manchester City before joining the Gunners to try out what it would feel like to be his own boss.
Folami David writes on trends and pop culture. He is a creative writer, and he is passionate about music and football.