Pep Guardiola's Successor: Is A Former Arsenal Star In Manchester City's Sights?

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Mikel Arteta: A Promising Candidate

Arteta's Arsenal Transformation

Mikel Arteta's managerial journey at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster, showcasing both impressive growth and significant setbacks. His appointment as Arsenal manager in December 2019 raised eyebrows, but his tenure has been marked by a clear tactical evolution and demonstrable player development. Understanding his managerial experience is key to assessing his suitability for the Manchester City job.

• Achievements: Arteta secured the FA Cup in 2020, his first major trophy as a manager, a significant achievement that demonstrated his ability to inspire a team and deliver under pressure. He has also guided Arsenal back into the Champions League after a long absence, demonstrating his ability to rebuild and improve a team.
• Setbacks: Arteta faced criticism in his early years, particularly for inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities. However, he has learned from these experiences, adapting his tactics and improving team cohesion.

Similarities to Guardiola's Philosophy

A key aspect of Arteta's candidacy lies in the similarities – and differences – between his managerial philosophy and that of Pep Guardiola. Both managers are known for their commitment to possession-based football and tactical flexibility. The similarities in their approaches are striking.

• Possession and Pressing: Both Arteta and Guardiola prioritize controlling possession, using intricate passing sequences to dominate games. Their pressing systems, while having variations, share the common goal of winning the ball high up the pitch.
• Youth Development: Both managers value youth development and integrating academy players into the first team. Arteta’s willingness to give opportunities to young talents at Arsenal mirrors Guardiola’s approach at Manchester City.

The Manchester City Fit

The question of whether Arteta is the right fit for Manchester City is multifaceted. While his style aligns with the club's possession-based traditions, the pressure of succeeding Guardiola is immense.

• Squad Dynamics: Arteta’s experience managing a squad with a mix of established stars and emerging talents at Arsenal could translate well to the Manchester City environment. His ability to handle squad rotation and integrate young players into the first team would be a valuable asset.
• Pressure of Management: Succeeding Guardiola at a club with the high expectations of Manchester City presents an enormous challenge. However, Arteta's proven ability to handle pressure and deliver results under intense scrutiny makes him a credible candidate.

Alternative Candidates and the Competition

Other Potential Successors

While Arteta presents a compelling case, other high-profile managers are frequently linked with the Manchester City job. These include names like Xavi Hernandez, Julian Nagelsmann, and potentially others. Considering these alternative candidates provides context to Arteta's chances.

• Xavi Hernandez: Possesses a deep understanding of possession-based football, but his experience managing at a consistently high level is arguably less extensive than Arteta's.
• Julian Nagelsmann: Known for his tactical innovation and high-pressing style, but his philosophy differs somewhat from Guardiola's possession-focused approach.

The Challenges of Replacing Guardiola

Replacing a manager of Guardiola's caliber presents an immense challenge. His legacy at Manchester City is one of unparalleled success and tactical brilliance. The pressure on his successor will be immense.

• Maintaining Success: The new manager will need to navigate the complexities of maintaining City's dominance in the Premier League and competing for Champions League glory.
• Pressure to Win: The expectation at Manchester City is to win major trophies consistently. The next manager must be capable of handling the pressure and delivering results at the highest level.

Conclusion

Mikel Arteta's potential appointment as Pep Guardiola's successor at Manchester City is a fascinating prospect. His managerial experience at Arsenal, his tactical similarities to Guardiola, and his ability to handle pressure all make him a strong candidate. However, the immense pressure of replacing a legend like Guardiola and the competition from other highly-qualified managers cannot be overlooked. While the future remains uncertain, the possibility is undeniably captivating. Let us know what you think! Who do you believe should be Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City? Join the discussion in the comments below! Use the hashtag #PepGuardiolaSuccessor.