Pep Guardiola has claimed that he hopes Mikel Arteta remains with Manchester City, amid growing interest in his services as a manager.
The former Everton midfielder is currently Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad, where he has earned himself a stellar reputation as a promising manager.
It has been speculated in the past that the Spaniard was being groomed to replace Guardiola once he leaves the club, although Giovanni van Bronckhorst has emerged lately as another option for that role.
With Everton manager Marco Silva and Arsenal boss Unai Emery both under considerable pressure, a number of fans from both clubs have called on their respective team to appoint their former player as head coach.
However, Guardiola has spoken out about Arteta’s future, claiming that he hopes the 37-year old remains in Manchester for the foreseeable future. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Guardiola said:
Mikel was a holding midfielder, he had incredible vision on the pitch. He’s an incredible human being, he has a great work ethic.
I said after a few months of being together that he would be a manager one day.
For sure he will be a manager. I would like him to stay with us as long as possible. But personal life is personal life, his professional desire is professional.
Read Everton Verdict
Arteta’s credentials will always be a sticking point for many Everton fans, with the Spaniard lacking any actual managerial experience to make him a credible candidate for the Everton role.
While the former Toffee has a promising career, the club need to stop appointing promising young coaches, instead aiming for someone who they know will have the ability to drag the club back up the league table.
In an ideal world, Arteta would be a great appointment and in a small way I’d love to see him return to Goodison Park, but I just can’t see it working out if the club pursue their interest.
Comments.
Loading comments…