Mikel Arteta recently revealed that he was so close at succeeding Arsene Wenger and becoming Arsenal's boss. Additionally, he shared the underlying reasons why he turned down the offer to coach Newcastle United. The 27 years old Spanish football coach also shared why he chose to stay with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
According to Mikel Arteta, he was scheduled to leave Manchester City and become the next manager for Arsenal, however; he stopped himself since he felt that it was not the right time yet to take a great leap. Arteta was among the favorite contenders for the top job at the Emirates after the departure of Arsene Wenger and was anticipated to take the wheel.
At the eleventh hour, Unai Emery was offered the position after the interview and was eventually named the new Arsenal's boss. Mikel Arteta stayed at his post as an assistant coach in Manchester City under the leadership of Pep Guardiola. Later, he was linked to Newcastle United when the team had a vacant managerial slot at the start of this season.
The Spanish coach rejected both jobs but revealed how close he was to be a part of Arsenal and why he chose against doing so. In an interview with Spanish radio station SER Catalunya, Mikel Arteta shared that he was not in a hurry and he does not feel that he needs to take a leap at that time. He added that there are significant conditions, which are necessary to develop what you really want regardless of how clear your vision is.
Mikel Arteta also revealed that the first time that he was about to leave for Arsenal he stopped himself, the second time was mostly his choice and the third time was a matter of loyalty. He said that when he promised to continue next year given the limited time to maneuver, it was not right to make that particular decision. Arteta added that he also thinks that Manchester City needs more space for improvement, especially in its dream to win the Champions League.
The 37 years old assistant coach is known to receive the support of former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for the job at the Emirates. But, his comments in his recent interview seem to indicate that he is considering to succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, which is a more sensible approach.
After he retired from playing professional football for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta started his journey as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2016. Since then, the Spanish assistant coach has become an important figure in the coaching setup of Guardiola. With his help, the team was able to develop tactical plans to help Manchester City beat Arsenal on more than one occasion.
