The Parc des Princes is preparing to vibrate for a semi-final return from the high tension champions League. Faced with PSG, Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team have to go back a goal of delay (0-1 defeat on the outward journey). An inevitably special return for the Spanish coach, who wore the Paris jersey for a season and a half (2001-2002). And who better placed to talk about him than the man who brought him and led him to Paris: Luis Fernandez. In an interview with the Parisian, the former emblematic coach of PSG comes out of silence and delivers his truths on the personality of his former protégé. Revelations which could shed light on the character of the current Manager of the Gunners.
An “irreproachable” attitude which forced respect
But that those who were waiting for a charge of soaring! If Luis Fernandez “Balance”, it is to cover with praise Mikel Arteta. Far from all criticism, the former French international paints a portrait of an exemplary player from an young age. “If you had told me at that time that he would become a coach, I would have told you no,” admits Fernandez, before qualifying: ” But when we remember the way he behaved, it was difficult to imagine. He had an impeccable attitude, a lot of respect for his partners, his coach and for instructions in general. He came first in training and he said practically nothing on the ground. He was taking this to heart, with a lot of desire, with a big will. »» Rare professionalism that already marked spirits.
Mikel Arteta on the Arsenal bench, ready to face Paris Saint-Germain, a club where he played at the start of his career.
The premonitory nickname of “Petit Guardiola”
Fernandez even reveals the nickname he had given him, terribly premonitory: “Le Petit Guardiola”. For what ? “Because he had qualities similar to PEP, He explains.
“I have always been a fan of this style of play, these players capable of being relays on the field. »» Arteta, arrived on loan from Barça where the competition (with a certain Iniesta) was tough, corresponded perfectly to the profile sought by Fernandez: “He was able to get back in the sense of the game, to orient the game. Technically, he already had this more to properly bring out a ball or give the assist. »» A vision and a game intelligence that allowed him to impose himself, without any passers: “He protected himself on his own thanks to his style of play and thanks to what he was doing on the field. »»
Fernandez claims a warm welcome for his old protégé
Marked by the seriousness and values ​​of his former player (“it's a boy who has values ​​that we love”), Luis Fernandez keeps a deep affection for Arteta and is delighted with his success. “I congratulate him on all the work accomplished,” he confides. This is why, at the time of this reunion, he appealed to the Parisian public: “I would like the park to give him a good welcome and to applaud him. You have to know how to correctly receive the boys who respected the jersey, the club, the supporters. It would hurt my heart that he is whistling. »» For Fernandez, Arteta has “Respected PSG sufficiently respected to leave your head high. »»
Arteta in front of his past: what verdict on the ground?
Twenty-three years after his debut in the park, Mikel Arteta therefore returned to an opponent, with the heavy task of overthrowing PSG to reach the final of the Champions League. The praise of his former mentor recall the professionalism and the determination of the character. It remains to be seen whether the student, who has become a master strategist on the Arsenal bench, will be able to play a bad turn to his old club in a park of princes which, hopes Luis Fernandez, will be able to show him the respect due to his journey. The answer will fall on Wednesday evening, on the lawn.
