Pep Guardiola has said Mikel Arteta could have been manager of Manchester City but he “didn’t wait” for the top job at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola gave Arteta his first coaching job when he was named City assistant in 2016.
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He spent three-and-a-half years as No. 2 before taking the Arsenal manager’s job in Dec. 2019 but Guardiola said he could have succeeded him as City boss had he stuck around longer.
“I am pretty sure if I would have left before, he would be here and he would be the best, absolutely,” Guardiola said.
“But I extended the contract, I am sorry, and he didn’t wait, so it could not happen, but definitely [he could have been City manager].”
Arteta has guided Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table and on course to win their first title since 2004.
