Arteta looks comfortable as Pep sits out in Lyon
JACK GAUGHAN
MIKEL ARTETA looked at home in the big chair yesterday, rocking back, batting away questions about Manchester City’s financial muscle and claiming they own the best players in the world. He was in Pep Guardiola’s seat as the manager serves a onematch touchline ban tonight, held over from last season’s Champions League quarter-final defeat by Liverpool. Guardiola decided to swerve yesterday’s press conference, offering Arteta the opportunity to take control of all aspects of the game against Lyon. Arteta will also deliver the team talk in Guardiola’s absence and this is definitely a sign of things to come. Guardiola believes the Spaniard, with whom Arsenal flirted with in the summer, is destined for management sooner rather than later. The hope for some is that he could eventually take over at the Etihad Stadium. ‘If I had to choose, I would choose Pep on the touchline, because he does that job better than anyone else,’ said Arteta. ‘But it is a very good challenge for me. He had a clear role for me when he asked me to join because I was in the Premier League for 15 years. My learning in the last two years has been incredible alongside him. ‘You all know some things happened (with Arsenal) and the reality is I am here. I am privileged to be where I am. I’ve known Pep a long time. We have the same mentality, philosophy. We click together and understand each other.’ The pair are spending a lot of time together and Arteta is described as a talkative student, pushing Guardiola when the situation permits. His tactical switch at Arsenal was instrumental in victory on the opening weekend. Sources labelled the 36-yearold ‘a new signing’ this summer after he assumed the role of No 2 after Domenec Torrent’s departure to New York City. His players enter this year’s competition as favourites. ‘Winning it is the aim,’ said Arteta. ‘For me, we have the best players in the world. ‘People talk about money to spend. But they have to look inside this club, what we have created, it’s phenomenal.’