Former Manchester City defender Danny Mills says Mikel Arteta is the perfect man to replace Pep Guardiola.
- Arteta studied under Guardiola
- Went head-to-head in PL title race twice
- Spaniard tipped to make Manchester move
WHAT HAPPENED?
Mills has praised the work Arteta has done in North London, despite the Spaniard falling short of the Premier League title again last season. Guardiola has hinted in recent months that next campaign may be his last in charge of the Premier League champions and the former full-back believes the most logical replacement is the Arsenal boss.
WHAT MILLS SAID
Speaking to BetVictor, Mills said: “Mikel Arteta is the best man to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, without a shadow of a doubt. He’s worked with Pep, he knows the way City play and he can come in with the same level of intensity as him. I think it will be a concern. It’s like trying to replace Jurgen Klopp, Arsene Wenger or Sir Alex Ferguson. .
“The hierarchy at City have to be looking for a successor now and I’m sure they are. There are lots of coaches winning in the City Group for instance. It’s a concern for City but when you look at what they’ve done in the past, the senior figures they’ve brought in to manage the academy and recruitment, you have to put faith in them and hope that there is a good succession plan.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mills is right when he talks about how difficult it will be to replace Guardiola. He has led City to four consecutive Premier League titles and delivered their first Champions League triumph. Whoever does walk through the door will instantly be able to feel the pressure. Arteta is a great coach, but he has yet to get his team over the line when it matters.
WHAT NEXT FOR ARTETA AND GUARDIOLA?
For now, it is business as usual for both Arteta and Guardiola. They have gone toe-to-toe in the previous two domestic campaign and everything suggests it will be the same again in 2024-25.
