“I say this because he knows what he wants" - Granit Xhaka backs Arsenal assistant to become 'manager for a big, big club' in the future
Granit Xhaka has backed Arsenal assistant manager Carlos Cuesta to be a top manager in the future. He lauded his clarity and asserted that he'll be a manager.
Cuesta, a Spanish citizen, is only 28 years old and is currently the assistant manager of the Gunners. He has been in that role since August 2020. He has previously served as the assistant manager of Juventus' under-17 and Atletico Madrid's under-17 sides.
He already holds a UEFA Pro License. Xhaka, who has worked with Cuesta at the north London side, told The Athletic (via Fabrizio Romano on X):
"I am sure one day Carlos Cuesta will be a manager for a big, big, big club. I say this because he knows what he wants, he has clear ideas. I am certain that one day we'll see him on the touchline as a manager."
Cuesta has already overseen two back-to-back campaigns where Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League. He has two Community Shields under his belt with the Gunners. Mikel Arteta's side won it in 2020 and in 2023.
Cuesta was on the radar of Norwich City to take over next season. The saga, however, hasn't developed since reports emerged in February. He has been tipped by players as Nuno Tavares to be an understanding individual.
Tavares said in the 2022 All or Nothing documentary that Cuesta understands players better because he is also young: (via The Guardian):
"Cuesta can understand players because he is also young. He helps me get vetter and better."
Carlos Cuesta was a part of the Santa Catalina Atletico academy. However, he shifted to management at the age of 18. Cuesta is multilingual and is able to speak as many as six languages.
Calos Cuesta's Arsenal contract situation
Carlos Cuesta's contract as the Arsenal assistant manager is set to expire in the 2024 summer. Apart from Norwich City, Leicester City have also shown interest in Cuesta.
Mikel Arteta has claimed that he won't stop anyone from pursuing their dreams. Addressing the matter, the Gunners boss said (via Football.London):
"If that's their will, you can't stop them. I wouldn't, no."
Arteta himself left Manchester City, where he was Pep Guardiola's assistant in 2019 and became his former club's manager.