Among the first individuals to mentor Arteta was Pochettino, whom the Spaniard later referred to as his “big brother” and “football father.”
The Argentine, who was ten years older, joined the team in January 2001 after departing from Espanyol in La Liga. During their initial three months in Paris, they developed a close friendship while sharing a hotel room.
Pochettino observed Arteta’s leadership qualities right from the beginning.
“He was like a coach already,” he remarked about his former PSG teammate in 2023. “He was offering guidance to me and others. I thought, ‘wow!’ – his character, personality, and charisma were remarkable. He possessed a footballing intellect.”
Manager Luis Fernandez, who had previously aimed to recruit the teenager while coaching Athletic Bilbao, entrusted Arteta with directing play from a deep midfield role. He executed this responsibility with a confidence and maturity that far surpassed his years.
“Fernandez instructed him to play simply and support more creative players like Okocha, and he executed that brilliantly,” noted French football expert Matt Spiro to BBC Sport.
“Arteta was a reserved individual but already showcased the fierce determination we associate with him today. Like many Barcelona players, his technical skills were exceptional, but what stood out most, considering his age, was his tactical awareness.”
Before the season concluded, Arteta made 11 appearances, scoring his first goal for PSG in a 2-2 draw against Lille on the penultimate weekend of the season. However, despite his promising start, Fernandez’s team ended the term on a low note.
After suffering a 4-0 defeat to Auxerre in the fourth round of the French Cup – marking Arteta’s debut – they finished last in their second-round Champions League group and barely managed to secure a top-half finish on the season’s final day.
However, brighter days were just on the horizon.
From Protege to Leader: Mikel Arteta’s Journey Under Mauricio Pochettino’s Guidance
The Early Days: Mikel Arteta’s Career Beginnings
Mikel Arteta began his professional football career at the age of 15 with Real Sociedad. His playing style was characterized by exceptional technical ability and tactical awareness, qualities that would later define his coaching philosophy. The transition from player to coach was inevitable for Arteta, and his time at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal would prove invaluable.
Influence of Mauricio Pochettino
During his playing days in the Premier League, Arteta had the opportunity to work under several influential managers, but none made a more significant impact than Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager, renowned for his tactical acumen, played a crucial role in shaping Arteta’s understanding of the game, both as a player and a future coach.
The Tactical Philosophy of Pochettino
Pochettino’s coaching style emphasizes pressing, fluid attacking play, and a strong defensive organization. These principles resonated with Arteta and greatly influenced his approach when he later became a manager himself. Here are some key aspects of Pochettino’s philosophy that shaped Arteta:
- High-Intensity Pressing: Encouraging teams to regain possession quickly.
- Positional Play: Focusing on player positioning to create space and passing options.
- Player Development: Prioritizing the growth of individual players within a team framework.
Arteta’s Transition to Coaching
After retiring from professional football in 2016, Arteta embarked on his coaching journey. His first notable role was as an assistant coach at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, where he applied the principles he learned from Pochettino. This experience allowed him to refine his tactical knowledge and coaching methods.
Key Lessons Learned Under Pochettino
While working under Pochettino, Arteta absorbed several vital lessons that he would later implement in his managerial career:
- Emphasizing Team Cohesion: The importance of building a strong team dynamic.
- Adapting Strategies: The ability to adjust tactics based on the opponent.
- Fostering a Winning Mentality: Developing a culture of excellence and resilience.
Arteta’s Coaching Career in Detail
Assistant Coach at Manchester City
During his time at Manchester City, Arteta helped guide the team to numerous trophies, including two Premier League titles. His role as an assistant coach allowed him to observe Guardiola’s methods while also instilling Pochettino’s high standards and intense work ethic.
Becoming Arsenal’s Head Coach
In December 2019, Arteta was appointed the head coach of Arsenal. His appointment was met with cautious optimism, as fans hoped he would revive the club’s fortunes. Arteta inherited a squad in need of direction, and he set about instilling a new tactical framework.
Implementing Pochettino’s Principles at Arsenal
Arteta’s approach at Arsenal heavily reflects the teachings of Pochettino. Here’s how he has integrated those principles:
Tactical Organization
Arteta has implemented a structured defensive setup, often deploying a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 formation. This tactical flexibility allows players to adapt based on the opposition while maintaining a solid foundation.
Player Development and Trust
Taking a page from Pochettino’s playbook, Arteta has focused on nurturing young talents such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. By providing them with opportunities, he has built a foundation for future success.
Building a Competitive Culture
Arteta has fostered a culture of discipline and hard work. Like Pochettino, he emphasizes the importance of a winning mentality, pushing players to always strive for improvement.
Case Study: Key Matches Reflecting Arteta’s Philosophy
| Match | Date | Outcome | Tactical Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal vs. Manchester City | July 2020 | Win | High pressing and counter-attacking |
| Arsenal vs. Liverpool | October 2020 | Win | Solid defensive structure |
| Arsenal vs. Chelsea | August 2021 | Win | Effective use of width and positional play |
First-Hand Experiences: Players’ Perspectives
Players who have worked under both Pochettino and Arteta often highlight the similarities in their approach. Here are some insights from notable players:
- Raheem Sterling: “Arteta brings the intensity Pochettino instilled in us, and it’s evident in how he gets the best out of his players.”
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: “Mikel has a clear vision for the team, similar to what we had under Pochettino. It motivates us to perform.”
Benefits of Arteta’s Leadership Style
Mikel Arteta’s leadership style, shaped by his experiences under Mauricio Pochettino, offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Player Performance: Players respond well to his structured approach and tactical awareness.
- Strong Team Unity: Arteta fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
- Long-Term Vision: His focus on youth development ensures sustainability for the club’s future.
Conclusion
Mikel Arteta’s journey from protege to leader, under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, reflects a deep understanding of modern football’s tactical demands and the importance of player development. His unique blend of tactical acumen, strong leadership, and a commitment to nurturing young talent positions him as one of the most promising managers in football today.
