Pep Guardiola called Mikel Arteta for 'advice about certain tactics and strategic setups' when he was playing at Arsenal

A fascinating extract from a book about Pep Guardiola shows he called Mikel Arteta for tactical advice whilst he was playing at Arsenal.

When Guardiola was in charge of THAT Barcelona team, he used to pick the brain of Arteta, who was still playing and aged just 30.

The Manchester City manager would call Arteta for advice about certain tactics and strategic set-ups.

He specifically rang him ahead of his side's Champions League clash against Chelsea back in 2012.

It isn’t known to many but Arteta is so intelligent that even back in 2012, when Pep was in charge of *that* Barça team, and Arteta was still a footballer at Arsenal, just 30-years old, Pep was calling Arteta to ask for advice about certain tactics and strategic setups. https://t.co/121lPrH36j

— UtdArena (@UtdArena) September 16, 2022

An extract from 'Pep’s City: The Making of a Superteam' highlights the working relationship between Guardiola and Arteta.

The book, written by Lu Martín and Pol Ballus, reads: "Arteta and Guardiola always kept in touch, and Arteta lived in the same neighbourhood as Pep's brother, Pere, when he was based in London.

"When Barca drew Chelsea in the Champions League (in 2012), Pep picked up the phone to pick his old friend's brain about their upcoming opponent.

"Impressed by Arteta's critical analysis, Pep made a mental note to seek his advice more often."

For those who think I’m joking:

(Source: Pep’s City: The Making of a Superteam, Ballús and Martín, 2019)

This is one reason why I’ve always rated Arteta. https://t.co/mTAey0tGjD pic.twitter.com/bzXl5sk5zd

— UtdArena (@UtdArena) September 16, 2022

Of course, Guardiola hired Arteta as his assistant at Man City, before the 40-year-old left his role at the Etihad to take charge of the Gunners.

And speaking after Man City's win over Arsenal last year, the 51-year-old hailed his fellow countryman, saying he's 'so good' in glowing praise.

"Mikel [Arteta] knows everything," he said. "He’s so good. It’s not because he’s my friend. I know how he lives, I know what he plans, I know how he works. He’s so clever.

"I learn a lot from watching his teams and today I learned something that I can use in the future. He knows everything about football."