Nobody really knows how Mikel Arteta would have fared as Arsenal manager. The Spaniard has yet to dip his toes into the world of senior management, but those in the industry believe he will one day make an excellent head coach. There are those among the Gunners support who think their club might have missed a trick.
Indeed, Arteta is widely viewed as an A-list manager of the future. Working alongside Pep Guardiola, the former midfielder has served his apprenticeship over the past two seasons. This education could, and perhaps should, have led Arteta to the Arsenal job, but now he must consider what his next move will be.
But Manchester City should similarly consider what their next move will be when it comes to the future of Arteta. Guardiola has only just signed a two-year contract extension at the Etihad Stadium, meaning he will remain in the North East until the summer of 2022. If he lasts that long, it will be the longest the Catalan has stayed at any one club as a manager.
Right now, Manchester City are riding the crest of a wave. That wave is still to peak under Guardiola, with the Champions League the final frontier. Not until Manchester City have conquered Europe can Guardiola claim to have fulfilled the brief that was set for him upon arriving at the Etihad Stadium nearly two years ago.
Guardiola can still lead Manchester City to even greater glories, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t start planning for life beyond the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss. Keep in mind that it took Manchester City a full four years to lure Guardiola to the Etihad Stadium in the first place. Plans can take time to enact.
This is why Arteta should be lined up as Guardiola’s successor now. Manchester City should inform the Spaniard that he will one day succeed the Premier League winner, that his spell as assistant manager will serve as preparations for taking the big job. This would prevent Arteta from getting itchy feet, from getting his start elsewhere.
Of course, it’s not so long ago that Patrick Vieira was considered to be the long-term successor to Guardiola, heading to New York City FC in MLS to prove his management credentials. The Frenchman has since done that, but doesn’t appear willing to wait around to make the next step in his coaching career.
When Manchester City made the appointment of Guardiola back in the summer of 2016 they spoke of a “holistic” approach. The structure they have put in places allows them to plan years in advance. So even in times of great success, that must continue, starting with the anointment of Arteta as their future manager.
