Learning from Pochettino & aiding Okocha – how PSG loan shaped Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s time as a player at Paris Saint-Germain proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, shaping him into the coach he is today.

During his loan spell at PSG in the 2001-2002 season, Arteta got the opportunity to learn from two influential figures in Mauricio Pochettino and Jay-Jay Okocha.

Pochettino, who was a seasoned defender at the time, instilled in Arteta the importance of defensive organization and leadership on the pitch.

On the other hand, Okocha, a creative attacking midfielder, helped Arteta improve his technical skills and vision in the final third.

The experience of training and playing alongside these two footballing legends had a lasting impact on Arteta’s playing style and tactical understanding.

After returning to his parent club Rangers, Arteta went on to have a successful playing career, winning multiple domestic trophies and establishing himself as a top midfielder.

Upon retiring from playing, Arteta transitioned into coaching and eventually landed the job as the head coach of Arsenal in December 2019.

Arteta’s time at PSG not only shaped him as a player but also laid the groundwork for his coaching philosophy, which is evident in Arsenal’s style of play under his guidance.

By borrowing elements from both Pochettino’s defensive solidity and Okocha’s attacking flair, Arteta has been able to create a well-balanced and versatile team at Arsenal.

Overall, the lessons learned during his PSG loan spell have been crucial in shaping Arteta’s coaching career and have contributed to his success at one of the biggest clubs in English football.