“He knows the philosophy” - Emmanuel Petit tips Manchester City to target Premier League rival boss as heir to 'tired' Pep Guardiola
Emmanuel Petit thinks Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be the heir to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Gunners icon suggests the Cityzens' treble-winning coach looks tired eight years into his reign at the Etihad.
Guardiola's contract with City expires at the end of the season and speculation is growing over his future. The Spaniard has been the club's most successful manager, winning 20 major trophies, including six Premier League titles.
Petit thinks Arteta is the ideal successor, given his previous experience as an assistant to Guardiola. He told Prime Casino:
"If Guardiola does decide to leave, the best possible replacement would be Mikel Arteta. He knows the club, and he knows the philosophy which he has tried to repeat at Arsenal. Pep Guardiola has begun to show signs of tiredness in the last two years, and you can sometimes see that he is lacking energy."
Arteta is one of European football's most exciting young coaches, and his development came at the Etihad. He worked alongside Guardiola from July 2016 to December 2019 as Manchester City won two Premier League titles.
The Spaniard has impressed at Arsenal, transforming them into title challengers. He's Guardiola's new rival after Jurgen Klopp exited Liverpool at the end of last season.
Petit touched on this:
"Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool was a huge blow for Guardiola because he had that competition to push him to be at his very best. He's not a worse manager now, but I think he does look tired, and mentally, it takes a lot of energy to be a manager at the highest level."
Arteta has just under three years left on his contract at the Emirates and has shown no desire to depart. He signed an extension last month, keeping him tied to the Gunners until 2027.
Pep Guardiola on when he knew he had to let Mikel Arteta leave Manchester City
Arteta's stock was growing as one of the most impressive assistant coaches in Europe while working at Manchester City. He was a prominent figure alongside Guardiola on the touchline at the start of the Cityzens' dominance in English football.
Arsenal came calling in late 2019 after partying ways with Unai Emery and Arteta's desire to return to the club he once played for was evident. Guardiola wanted him to stay at the Etihad but knew his compatriot wanted to take the opportunity.
Guardiola recalled Arteta's Manchester City departure in an interview in January 2023. He said (via The Independent):
"Everyone has dreams and I know he went to his club, the team he dreams of. He is a supporter of Arsenal, from the fact he played there and loves the club. When we score a lot of goals here, always he jump up and celebrate, except against one team, then I jump and he was just sitting there."
Guardiola added:
"It was Arsenal and I say: ‘That guy likes Arsenal.’ I am not the person to stay you have to stay here, you have a contract. You have to fly. Life is too short."
Arteta has overseen 145 wins in 239 games since taking over the Gunners. He's propelled them into the title picture after a lengthy period struggling to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.