5 reasons for Arsenal fans to be optimistic about Mikel Arteta

1. Philosophy

While Mikel Arteta hasn’t managed a game thus far, he has had experience being the assistant coach to arguably the best coach in the world – Pep Guardiola. Arteta is said to have played a major role in helping the likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane improve on their finishing, for instance. And Guardiola has heaped huge praise on Arteta’s influence at Manchester City too.

But what does Arteta say about his own footballing values? Well, Arteta was asked by Arsenal in his playing days at the club about his philosophy. This is what he had to say:

"“I will have everyone 120 percent committed, that’s the first thing. If not, you don’t play for me. When it’s time to work it’s time to work, and when it’s time to have fun then I’m the first one to do it, but that commitment is vital. Then I want the football to be expressive, entertaining. I cannot have a concept of football where everything is based on the opposition. We have to dictate the game, we have to be the ones taking the initiative, and we have to entertain the people coming to watch us. I’m 100 percent convinced of those things, and I think I could do it.”"

This fits right into the Arsenal mould. And with a few tweaks in certain areas, there is no reason to think that he cannot get Arsenal challenging again.

Next: Arsenal: 30 greatest players in history

If Mikel Arteta were to become Arsenal’s next manager, it would be a gamble. But it is important to note that it isn’t as big a gamble as people are making it out to be. It would be a bold move by the club, but it could just pay off.