Mikel Arteta: The Best is Yet to Come for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta celebrates five years as Arsenal manager, expressing his gratitude and optimism for the future.

Mikel Arteta celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, marking five years since his appointment as Arsenal manager. As he reflected on his journey, Arteta expressed optimism about the future, stating that the best is yet to come.

When Arteta took the reins in 2018, Arsenal was a club in disarray, drifting away from the Premier League's elite. However, under his guidance, the team began to rebuild and eventually secured a return to the Champions League after a six-year absence. A highlight of his tenure was winning the FA Cup in his inaugural season, demonstrating his ability to deliver silverware.

Arsenal's 19-year wait for a league title continues, with their last championship win dating back to the 2003-04 season. However, under Mikel Arteta's guidance, the team has transformed into a formidable title contender. In the past two campaigns, Arsenal has finished second, narrowly missing out on the top spot to Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta reflected on his journey as Arsenal manager, expressing gratitude for his position and acknowledging the need for continued growth. “I'm grateful to be in the position I am in. I have a lot to learn and improve. The best is yet to come,” Arteta told reporters. He emphasized the team's desire for major trophies while maintaining the progress they have made. “What we want is the big trophies, without losing the rest of the things we have built. That's very important.” Arteta also highlighted the team's unity and competitiveness as key strengths. “The unity and the connections and the fact that we are competing on big fronts right now. We haven't managed to do that in the past years. That's positive, but there's still a lot to do.”

Before becoming Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta honed his managerial skills as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. This experience has undoubtedly influenced his approach to managing Arsenal, where he previously played and captained the team.

Mikel Arteta's journey to becoming Arsenal manager was not straightforward. Initially overlooked in favor of Unai Emery as Arsene Wenger's successor, Arteta eventually secured the role in December 2019. Despite being his first managerial position, Arteta has proven himself capable of leading the team.

As Arteta reflected on his five-year tenure, he expressed his passion for the club and his commitment to delivering the best possible results. “It's gone so fast to be fair. I've enjoyed every minute of it. We've had bumps in the road and good moments - that's what it's about. I'm here because I'm so passionate about what I do because I love this football club,” he said. Arteta emphasized his dedication to self-improvement, stating, “I want the best of that and try to give the best version every day. I think about what is the best possible manager for Arsenal Football Club and for the players and I try to become that.”

Arsenal will face Crystal Palace for the second time in a week, having beaten them in the League Cup quarter-final on Wednesday. The two teams will meet again in the league on Saturday, with Arsenal currently sitting third in the standings, six points behind Liverpool. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are 15th in the table.

“It is different (when you face the same team again). We analysed them so you don't have to do that too much. I'm sure both teams will adjust a few things,” Arteta said.

“We know what it is to go to Selhurst Park and we have prepared for that.”