Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has admitted that he is not at all surprised by the success Mikel Arteta has enjoyed as the Arsenal manager.
Arteta’s side finished the last two Premier League seasons in second behind champions Manchester City who have won the last four league titles.
The Gunners are set to take on the champions on Sunday at the Etihad and are again expected to be their closest challengers in the title race in the ongoing campaign.
Gundogan returned to Manchester City this summer after a season at Barcelona and is keen to enjoy success again at the Etihad in his second spell.
However, the German has massive praise for Arteta who coached him previously at the Etihad when the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
Gundogan is not surprised by his success at Arsenal
The midfielder is all praise for the Arsenal boss and admitted that it was clear that he was going to be a top manager since the first time he met him.
He is not at all surprised that Arteta is doing well at the Emirates Stadium and pointed out that Pep Guardiola’s influence on his fellow Spaniard is also clear.
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Gundogan also feels that the Arsenal and Manchester City clash is more intriguing because of the clash of similar styles of Arteta and Guardiola.
The Manchester City star also admitted that it would be a delight if he could follow Arteta’s path after his playing career winds down.
“Mikel is a very smart person who really knows what he wants and what he has to do to achieve certain things”, Gundogan said on Sky Deutschland.
“It was clear to me when I met him that this was the path he would take. I’m not surprised that he’s doing so well with Arsenal and that they play football at such a high level.
“Pep’s influence is obviously very big because Mikel worked with Pep for a number of years. That’s why their style of play is very similar.
“That’s why this duel is perhaps more interesting than other duels.
“He’s really doing a great job and just extended his contract a few days ago. So he’ll stay with Arsenal for a few more years and I’m sure they’ll be in contention for titles in the years to come.
“If I could follow a similar path to Mikel in the future, that would be a stroke of luck.”
(SOURCE: Gooner Daily)
