PEP GUARDIOLA has told Arsenal’s board to give under-fire Mikel Arteta time — as they will not find a better manager than him.
It will be a year next week since the Spaniard left his role as Manchester City coach to take charge at the Emirates.
Pep Guardiola has urged Arsenal to keep faith with Mikel ArtetaCredit: PA:Press Association
The former Manchester City assistant is under pressure at the GunnersCredit: Reuters
And Sunday’s disastrous 1-0 home defeat to Burnley has left him under pressure — despite winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in the summer.
Arsenal are currently languishing in 15th but former Barcelona king Guardiola — who worked with Arteta for 3½ years at the Etihad — is convinced his countryman will take the Gunners back to the top.
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Guardiola said: “Sometimes when a club comes from a period that is not so good, sometimes it needs time.
“I would say to the board at Arsenal, I do not have any doubts about his quality and capacity to put Arsenal in the place that they deserve to be.
“Arsenal couldn’t have a better manager to lead this club in this year and the next — nobody is better than him.
“He’s one of the best managers I’ve ever worked with and seen directly.
“For his personality and his commitment and his love for his club — because if it were not for the love of his club he would still be here.”
The pair have stayed in touch since they went their separate ways in December last year, when Arteta succeeded the axed Unai Emery.
And Guardiola added: “I don’t have to give publicly my support because he has it and he knows that he has it.
“I’m pretty sure he will turn it round and will do it like everyone expects.”
Arteta discusses Arsenal’s fourth straight home league game loss, something which hasn’t happened for the club in over 60 years
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
