Learning from Pochettino & aiding Okocha – how PSG loan shaped Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s time at Paris Saint-Germain as a player helped shape his coaching career. During his loan spell at PSG in 2001-2002, Arteta had the opportunity to learn from then-captain Mauricio Pochettino, who is now his coaching rival at Tottenham Hotspur.

Pochettino’s influence on Arteta was evident in his tactical approach and man-management skills. The Argentine defender’s leadership on and off the pitch left a lasting impression on Arteta, who has implemented similar strategies in his coaching role at Arsenal.

Additionally, Arteta’s time at PSG allowed him to work closely with Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who was a key player for the club at the time. Okocha’s flair and creativity inspired Arteta to incorporate more attacking play into his own game, which has translated into his coaching philosophy at Arsenal.

Arteta’s experiences at PSG have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping him as a coach. His learnings from Pochettino and Okocha have helped him develop a unique coaching style that has seen Arsenal make significant progress under his leadership.

As Arteta continues to grow and evolve as a coach, his time at PSG will always be remembered as a pivotal moment in his career development.