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Aston Villa’s Unai Emery says what he really thinks of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta as a manager
Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta have careers that are somewhat intertwined.
Both men are Spaniards from the Basque region, and both men have links to the likes of Real Sociedad, PSG and, most pertinently, Arsenal.
Indeed, Unai Emery was the manager of Arsenal before Mikel Arteta took charge of the club, and given how that whole situation played out, it would be fair for there to be some bad blood between the two gaffers.
Arteta replaced Emery as Arsenal’s manager, and while Emery was quickly sacked 18 months after taking charge at the Emirates, Arteta was given years to try and get Arsenal on track.
Emery was harshly treated by Arsenal and swiftly replaced by Arteta. However, it would appear there are no hard feelings between the pair.
Indeed, speaking on the Sky Sports Football Podcast, Emery has actually named Arteta as one of the managers he most admires in the game.
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Unai Emery admires Mikel Arteta
Emery spoke about which managers he admires within the game.
The Aston Villa boss namechecked Roberto De Zerbi and Andoni Iraola, while he also praised Arteta for how he has helped Arsenal develop.
Emery also praised Arsenal’s style of play last season.
“Yes, but even in different levels. But I appreciate a lot, for example, here in England, of course. Last year, how they were playing Brighton with De Zerbi, this year as well, how he’s improving a lot, Iraola.
“Of course, how he’s doing the development at Arsenal, Arteta, tactically, mentally, as well his management. I think it’s very interesting management.”
Unai Emery compared to Mikel Arteta
Arteta and Emery are two great managers, and now, five years on from Arteta replacing Emery, it’s interesting to compare the two.
Arteta was tipped for big things when Arsenal hired him, but, as of yet, he hasn’t quite lived up to that promise.
Indeed, while Arsenal have been playing well for a long time, Arteta hasn’t quite managed to deliver consistent silverware.
Meanwhile, Emery has had a rather trophy-laden career.
| Unai Emery | Mikel Arteta | |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 | Games | 269 |
| 531 | Wins | 163 |
| 215 | Draws | 43 |
| 254 | Losses | 63 |
| 53% | Win percentage | 60% |
| 4 | Domestic cups | 1 |
| 1 | League titles | 0 |
| 4 | European trophies | 0 |
| 4th | Highest Premier League finish | 2nd |
Arteta’s overall record as a manager is better than Emery’s in terms of win percentage, but he has only managed one team, Arsenal, and that’s one of the biggest club sides in the world.
Meanwhile, Emery has had to make his name at some smaller teams such as Villarreal, Sevilla, Spartak Moscow and Valencia before getting shots at the likes of PSG and Arsenal.
Of course, Emery has a lot more experience than Arteta, and, in time, the Arsenal manager may win more trophies, but, for now, Arteta’s predecessor still has the better managerial CV.