One Premier League manager has now revealed where he ranks Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta compared to the best in the world.
Mikel Arteta has done a remarkable job since taking charge of Arsenal.
The Spanish coach took on his first ever managerial role when he took on the top job at the Emirates Stadium in December 2019, having previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
He quickly tasted success in North London, leading the Gunners to FA Cup glory at the end of his first season. However, there was then a period of struggle for Arsenal and Arteta.
An eighth-place finish in the Premier League, followed by a failure to qualify for the Champions League again in the following campaign saw the manager come under real pressure. However, the club hierarchy stood by the former midfielder. Sporting director Edu has since explained why Arsenal never considered sacking Arteta.
Andoni Iraola heaps praise on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
The club have been rewarded for their faith and patience in their chosen man. Arteta has now transformed Arsenal. He has built a young, hungry squad packed with talent, he has healed the rift between the club and the fanbase, and ensured that raucous atmospheres are now regularly generated at the Emirates Stadium, and he has made the Gunners genuine title contenders again.
Considering his lack of previous managerial experience, this is a remarkable achievement, and he has now earned the respect and admiration of his peers.
Andoni Iraola, who is in the hot seat at Bournemouth, has now given his verdict on Arteta. Speaking to DAZN, the Cherries boss said: “Mikel, who is a friend of mine, and Pep, are absolute elite, they are very good, but in the end you have always seen them at the highest level.”
What Mikel Arteta needs to do at Arsenal to truly earn elite status
The fact that Arteta is already regarded as being at a similar level to Guardiola at this stage in his career is remarkable. The Manchester City manager, after all, is arguably the greatest of all time, and he has certainly stopped Arteta from enjoying even greater success, as his side have beaten Arsenal to the Premier League title in each of the last two seasons.
In order to be truly comfortable in such company though, Arteta must show that he has what it takes to lead his Arsenal team over the line and get his hands on some more silverware. Arteta has promised Arsenal fans that trophies are on the way, and now is the time to deliver.