Mikel Arteta has revealed details about his relationship with Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Mikel Arteta has revealed details about his relationship with Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Mikel Arteta has shared insights into his long-standing relationship with Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, praising him as an exceptional figure in his career. The two managers, now competitors in the Premier League, were once teammates at PSG in the early 2000s. Arteta describes Pochettino as a protective and supportive mentor, likening him to a father figure during their time together in Paris.

Arteta joined PSG on loan in 2001 as a young player after not making the grade at Barcelona, while Pochettino, an experienced defender, arrived from Espanyol. The Argentine quickly took Arteta under his wing, providing guidance and confidence. Reflecting on this period, Arteta told BBC Sounds, “Mauricio was like a shield for me. He was protecting me from everything. He was giving me so much confidence.”

Their partnership on the field contributed to PSG’s fourth-place finish in the league, a significant improvement from the previous season. Arteta returned to Barcelona in 2002 before moving on to Rangers and later Everton, while Pochettino continued his career at PSG and later Bordeaux and Espanyol, where he began his managerial career in 2009.

As managers, Arteta and Pochettino have faced off twice, with a draw in their first encounter and a decisive victory for Arsenal in their second meeting. Arteta’s deep respect and admiration for Pochettino highlight the enduring impact of their early relationship.