Mikel Arteta's EFL Cup realisation makes Jose Mourinho look worse

Mikel Arteta perfectly analysed what the EFL Cup should mean to teams in the Premier League, particularly when they are facing teams in other divisions. He said that Arsenal players should use this as an opportunity to proudly represent the Arsenal badge and show other teams what it means.

“Show them the Arsenal shirt and what we represent and that’s it,” Arteta said. “We need to go there and win the game. That’s it. It’s very simple."

“Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play. So every time you play a football match and especially against a team in a different division, respect the game, respect every opponent because they deserve that."

“Then try to win and try to play a bit better than them.”

Mikel Arteta notices what Premier League winners before him didn't

Big deal, right? A Premier League manager is showing respect to the EFL Cup, what's worthy of praise, there?

Well, it actually is a big deal in 2026. It shouldn't be, but it is. The Premier League winners before Mikel Arteta - Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, to name just two - made quite the habit of disrespecting the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

Perhaps the biggest opposition to the EFL Cup was Jose Mourinho. In fact, the infamous Arsenal villain claimed that English teams would fare better in Europe if it didn't exist.

"If you ask me 'could English football survive or even be better without [the EFL Cup]?' Maybe," said Mourinho. "Maybe we would be fresher for European competitions, for example."

Pep Guardiola took a similar approach, and called the EFL Cup a 'waste of energy.'

Jurgen Klopp even went a step further and chose not to compete in the competition. Obviously, Liverpool didn't withdraw, but they fielded an incredibly young team against Aston Villa in the cup, even sending their U23 manager out to coach the senior team.

So, yes, Mikel Arteta's comments are a breath of fresh air. It is great to see a manager noticing the benefit of the EFL Cup - not just to teams in lower divisions, but teams in higher divisions, too.

Facing Fleetwood Town tonight is a great opportunity for Arsenal players to represent the club. It is not everyday that Arsenal face Fleetwood, which is why this competition is so great.

Teams like Arsenal admittedly benefit from the financial rules in place. We not only have a great youth system, but we've also been able to invest heavily in our squad over the last few seasons.

It never sits well with me when players or managers of top teams complain about the schedule. Clubs with much smaller squads jump at the opportunity to play more games, whereas clubs with gigantic, expensive squads are the first to complain.

If anything, big clubs are more prepared than ever to play in cup competitions in 2026. We shouldn't be saying kudos to Arteta for recognising the importance of cup competitions, but hopefully this signals a shift in mentality among the top managers in English football.

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