Their bond originates from Arteta’s early years in football when he joined Paris Saint-Germain as a teenager. Pochettino, then a senior player at PSG, provided guidance and support, fostering a deep connection beyond the football field.

Reflecting on this bond, Arteta warmly remembers Pochettino’s steadfast support during his initial days in Paris. Asked about Pochettino’s influence on his career, Arteta emphasized, “For sure. One of the most, I would say. I was 17 or 18 years old in Paris, I was thrown into Paris and it was in January, I think, with no experience of professional football and he doesn’t like me saying it, but he was like a father to me.”

“He took me under his arm, he gave me incredible advice, he really helped me, he inspired me and I learned so much from our two years there together and, from there, we maintained that relationship. I knew he was going to be a coach, I admire him a lot for what he’s done in his career and he’s always someone that I look to because he was really impactful for me probably at the most important stage of my professional career. It was the beginning and it was one as a role model that I could not pick anybody better than him.”

Arteta disclosed that their discussions weren’t solely about tactics; Pochettino also imparted life lessons, which proved invaluable in pivotal moments. “When I had to stop, I had to make a decision and I asked him and he gave me some advice and it was needed. It’s just the way he is. He does not need to talk to me about tactics,” Arteta remarked.

“The best influence he had on me is the way he approached life, his profession, his family. Who he was as a figure in that dressing room. The passion and the love he had for the game. For me, that is the most important thing that I learnt from him.”

However, come game time, mutual respect will be set aside as Arsenal and Chelsea face off in a crucial encounter. While Arsenal aims to keep their title hopes alive, Chelsea seeks to secure a European spot.

Arteta emphasized his team’s readiness for the season’s final stretch, highlighting the importance of daily commitment and perseverance. “It is not something you can do on the day, to change the outcome of the next three weeks. It is something that you do daily. I call it a drizzle. If you go out there you don’t wear an umbrella, but you are constantly getting wet every single day and then, before you know it, you are soaking wet and you are ready because it is every single day as a habit.”