Mikel Arteta reveals he spoke with Pep Guardiola before Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Real Madrid

In the aftermath of a truly seismic result in European football – Arsenal’s stunningly comprehensive 3-0 dismantling of the mighty Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg – Mikel Arteta offered a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous, and perhaps unexpected, layers of his preparation. As the Emirates Stadium still buzzed with the echoes of a famous victory, the Arsenal manager revealed a crucial conversation that took place in the build-up, one that underscored his philosophy of continuous learning and leveraging elite experience.

The victory itself was a tactical masterpiece, a performance brimming with confidence, control, and clinical finishing that overwhelmed the perennial European champions. Arsenal played with an intensity and intelligence that left Madrid chasing shadows for large parts of the contest. But beyond the on-pitch brilliance, Arteta shared that he had sought counsel from arguably the most decorated and influential coach of the modern era: his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.

Facing Real Madrid in the latter stages of the Champions League represents one of the sternest tests in club football. The weight of history, the constellation of stars, the aura of the Santiago Bernabéu looming in the second leg – it’s a unique pressure cooker. Recognizing the magnitude of the occasion, Arteta turned to someone uniquely familiar with navigating such treacherous waters.

“He’s had a lot of situations like that, professionally and personally,” Arteta explained, highlighting the depth of experience he sought. The pressure of managing at the highest level extends beyond tactics; it encompasses handling expectations, managing player psychology through intense moments, and weathering the storms that inevitably arise in high-stakes encounters. Guardiola, having managed Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City through countless such scenarios, possesses a wealth of relevant knowledge.

Arteta was proactive in seeking this dialogue. “We talked coming into this (the first-leg), I wanted to talk to him,” he confirmed. This wasn’t a casual chat, but a deliberate move by the Arsenal boss to tap into a trusted resource before a pivotal match. It speaks volumes about Arteta’s humility and his recognition that even as a successful manager in his own right, there is always more to learn, especially from those who have consistently operated at the pinnacle.

The relationship between Arteta and Guardiola is well-documented, forged during Arteta’s formative coaching years as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. It was an apprenticeship under a master tactician, a period that undoubtedly shaped Arteta’s own managerial identity. Though now rivals competing fiercely for domestic supremacy in the Premier League, the underlying respect and connection clearly remain strong.

Arteta noted that the respect is mutual, adding insight into Guardiola’s view of his former protégé’s work. “And he’s someone who admires the good things we’ve done,” Arteta shared. This reciprocal admiration likely facilitates the kind of open conversation they had, transcending club rivalries for a shared pursuit of excellence within the game.

The core principle driving Arteta’s decision was clear: “It’s important to learn from the best, to learn from people who have that experience.” This mantra underpins his entire approach to management. He understands that experience, particularly the kind gained through repeated exposure to the unique pressures of Champions League knockout football against elite opposition like Real Madrid, is invaluable.

Guardiola’s tactical battles against Real Madrid over the years, with varying degrees of success and failure, provide a rich tapestry of lessons. While the specifics of their conversation remain private, one can imagine discussions ranging from potential tactical vulnerabilities to exploit, to methods for maintaining focus and intensity over 90 minutes (and indeed, 180 minutes across the tie), to handling the specific threats posed by Madrid’s world-class individuals.

Arteta’s admiration for Guardiola extends beyond just his trophy cabinet or tactical nous; it encompasses his cognitive abilities. “He’s a very intelligent person,” Arteta stated simply, a compliment that carries significant weight coming from another sharp footballing mind. Intelligence in management manifests in problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic foresight – all qualities Guardiola possesses in abundance.

Reflecting on their time working together, Arteta expressed his gratitude for the foundational impact Guardiola had on his career. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with someone like that who has been able to help me much,” he acknowledged. This grounding, this deep well of shared understanding and methodology learned at City, continues to inform Arteta’s work at Arsenal, even as he forges his own distinct path.

While it would be overly simplistic to attribute Arsenal’s dominant 3-0 victory solely to this pre-match phone call, it’s reasonable to infer that the insights gleaned may have contributed significantly. Perhaps Guardiola’s perspective reinforced Arteta’s own tactical ideas, offered a crucial refinement, or simply provided the Arsenal manager with an added layer of confidence and clarity heading into the encounter.

The performance itself certainly reflected a team playing with supreme belief and tactical discipline. Arsenal nullified Madrid’s key threats while imposing their own game with authority – hallmarks of a well-prepared and expertly coached side. The conversation with Guardiola likely formed one crucial piece of that preparation puzzle.

Arteta’s willingness to publicly reveal this consultation is also noteworthy. In a world often characterized by managerial ego, his openness about seeking advice demonstrates a secure leadership style focused on results and continuous improvement, rather than projecting an image of solitary genius. It normalizes the idea of collaboration and mentorship even at the highest echelons of the sport.

Ultimately, Arteta’s core message resonates profoundly: “It’s important to learn from the best.” This principle, applied diligently, is a cornerstone of success in any competitive field. By actively seeking wisdom from his esteemed mentor, Arteta not only potentially gained a tactical edge but also reaffirmed his commitment to growth and leveraging every available resource in pursuit of glory for Arsenal.

The stunning 3-0 victory against Real Madrid will be remembered for the quality of Arsenal’s football, but Arteta’s revelation adds another layer to the narrative – one of strategic preparation, enduring respect between mentor and protégé, and the timeless value of learning from those who have successfully navigated the path before. It was a victory forged on the training pitch, executed on the field, and perhaps, subtly influenced by a crucial conversation beforehand.