Arsene Wenger has backed Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta to become a manager in the future, believing the 33-year-old has all the required qualities.
The Spaniard has made five Premier League appearances this season, all off the bench, and may now be starting to adjust to a life after football; after it was revealed he coached the U16 Arsenal side earlier this month.
Now, speaking to the media, Arsene Wenger has earmarked the former Everton and Real Sociedad midfielder to make the transition into a managerial role in the future.
“Mikel has a huge influence even when he is not playing. He is super conscientious – every morning two hours before training he prepares and that is absolutely right.”
“Just through his behaviour, his focus on getting everything right in the team, he has a huge influence. He has great experience and is respected throughout the squad. I really hope Mikel considers going into coaching. When you manage, you want to see your players continue and see them give their experience and knowledge back.”
“You want them to give their expertise of the way we want to play football and the way we want to behave. It would be great if someone like Mikel went into management, so somewhere the spirit of our game can survive through the players who have played for us.”
“He has the quality to be a manager in the future I’m sure, but at the moment he gives his focus on the job as a player and gives absolutely everything.”
Arteta will miss the League Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday through injury and is not expected to return ahead of this weekend’s Premier League trip to Swansea City.