Pep Guardiola names ‘the best’ successor to him at Manchester City… but he left the club

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has suggested the ‘best’ name to succeed him when he eventually parts ways with the Premier League champions.

City and Guardiola are set to welcome Mikel Arteta back to the Etihad Stadium on Friday evening, with the Blues facing high-flying Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round.

Arsenal sit five points clear of the reigning champions in the Premier League table with a game in hand midway through the league season.

The Gunners have proven their mettle under Arteta following a testing embryonic stage of development under the former City assistant coach, with many backing the north Londoners to go all the way in the title race.

Yet to face each other in the Premier League this season, Guardiola and Arteta are once again about to lock horns on the touchline in an exciting FA Cup fourth round clash.

Previewing the highly-anticipated tie, Guardiola, who signed a fresh two-year deal at the Etihad Stadium three months ago, admitted Arteta would have been his ideal replacement as head coach if the 52-year-old would have parted ways with City previously.

"He's getting better, we train this afternoon."

Pep Guardiola's complete #ManCity fitness update ahead of Arsenal (H) in the #EmiratesFACup fourth round:

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) January 26, 2023

Singing his compatriot’s praises, Guardiola said: “I’m pretty sure if I leave (had left) before, he (Mikel Arteta) would be here (at Manchester City).

“He’d be the best (to succeed me) absolutely. I extend the contract, sorry, and he went (to Arsenal).”

Throughout his three-and-a-half year tenure as assistant manager at the Etihad Stadium, Arteta was renowned for striking strong relationships with the squad and Guardiola never shied away from crediting the former Arsenal midfielder for what he brought to the table.

“I’m not suspicious (when it comes to) all my comments about Mikel (Arteta), when he was here,” Guardiola added.

“Even when he didn’t win titles. The expectation Arsenal demand. I know my opinion then, not now with 50 points (league tally this season). I knew it when he was here, his ability.”

Delving deeper into the relationship they shared during their time together at City, Guardiola pointed to the love Arteta held in his heart for Arsenal even when he donned sky blue between 2016-19.

The Manchester City manager said: “I said many time to my players and staff. We felt if one team could offer him (Arteta) as manager, he would leave.

“I am not a guy to say, ‘Stay with me’. Everyone has dreams. I know he went to his club, a supporter – he was a captain there. He loves the club.

“I remember here (at City) when we score goals, he jumped a lot except (against) one team. He was sitting there. It was Arsenal. I said that guy likes Arsenal.

“Like here, if I’m training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I go. People have to fly when they believe that is the best. To players, if they are not happy they have to leave – life it too short.”

Arteta has failed to get the better of Guardiola since Arsenal’s 2-0 triumph over City in the FA Cup semi-final in 2020.

However, the tie could not come at a better time for the Premier League leaders, who are soaring high in confidence after a thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United at the weekend.