Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his support for Enzo Maresca, predicting that the new Manchester City boss will perform an “unbelievable job” in his new role. The two clubs are set to face off in the Community Shield in Cardiff this Sunday, marking Maresca’s first major test since taking over from Pep Guardiola at the end of last season.
Arteta, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant at City, used a Friday press conference to pay tribute to his former mentor. Reflecting on Guardiola’s decade-long tenure, which included 20 major trophies, Arteta stated, “For the Premier League and for the country, I think the way he has opened a different way of understanding the game has escalated the league to a different level.”
Describing his four-year stint working alongside Guardiola as a “remarkable and unique” experience, Arteta labeled him the best coach in football history. “He’s done it in different countries, in different ways, so I think he will be missed in the Premier League,” he added.
Despite the change in leadership, Arteta expects Manchester City to remain a formidable rival under Maresca. Having known the former Chelsea manager for some time, the Arsenal boss believes City’s decision to appoint him was calculated and correct. “I know him well, and he will provide something different to the club,” Arteta said. “He has the personality, the character, and the knowledge to do an unbelievable job there.”
Arteta noted that Maresca’s track record, including his work at Chelsea and his experience in the Champions League, made him the logical choice for the position. “They could probably pick anybody, and they’ve gone for Enzo for the right reasons,” he remarked.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Community Shield, Arteta confirmed that England internationals Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are in contention to play. Furthermore, fans may see new signings Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis make their debuts for the Gunners.
“We are really excited to start the season and to start with the first trophy,” Arteta said. “All the internationals are back, and we can’t wait to start competing. The best version has to be on Sunday, and that is the intention—to have the best performance and start the season by lifting the first trophy.”
When questioned about ongoing transfer rumors, specifically regarding potential moves for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah following unsuccessful bids for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, Arteta remained tight-lipped. He declined to discuss specific individuals, emphasizing only the club’s broader strategy.
“I’m not going to talk about any individuals elsewhere,” he stated. “Obviously, what I can tell you is the ambition of the club. We want to improve the squad, we want to evolve the squad in order to achieve that.”
Here, I think he has escalated the Premier League to a different level,” Arteta said of Guardiola, who won 20 major trophies during his 10-year spell in charge of City.
“I was very lucky to be part of that for four years and understand and witness how it’s done daily.
