Vincent Kompany has offered a revealing insight into the managerial evolution of Mikel Arteta, suggesting the Arsenal manager has adopted one of Pep Guardiola’s most defining qualities that will eventually make him a Premier League champion.
The Manchester City legend and current Bayern Munich head coach believes Arteta shares the same “relentlessness” that has come to characterise Guardiola’s approach throughout his time at the Etihad.
Kompany, having experienced both men closely during his years at Manchester City, is uniquely positioned to compare the two coaches.
Arteta served as Guardiola’s assistant for three seasons before leaving in 2019 to take charge at Arsenal, where his transformation of the Gunners has been widely praised.
Speaking ahead of his own team’s commitments this weekend, Vincent Kompany reflected on what he feels Arteta has absorbed from his former mentor.
“What I think Mikel has taken most from Pep, from what I’ve seen so far – and eventually he’ll have the trophies, I’m sure – is the relentlessness of the way the team’s set up, every phase,” Kompany said per TNT Sports
He continued by emphasising the resilience Arteta has shown at Arsenal, where early doubts and criticism have given way to renewed optimism and a sustained title push.
“Also, the amount of pushback he’s had over the years and the calmness of how he just went through it and became stronger and stronger. It’s impressive, and that’s why I’m looking forward to the game, to be honest.”
Pep Guardiola coaching tree built on intensity
Guardiola’s influence on modern coaching is well established, but Kompany’s comments reinforce how deeply his philosophy has shaped those who have worked alongside him.
Arteta’s Arsenal project, typified by aggressive pressing, structured build-up play and high defensive lines, reflects the hallmarks of Guardiola’s tactical identity.
Yet Vincent Kompany argues that beyond tactics, it is the relentless demand for performance – in training, in matches, and in the smallest details – that Arteta has internalised.
It is no surprise that a number of Guardiola’s former assistants have gone on to find success of their own.
Kompany, who started his senior managerial career at Anderlecht before joining Burnley and then Bayern Munich, is one such example.
Another is Enzo Maresca, who impressed at Leicester City with an innovative possession-driven style before earning his role at Chelsea.
Their rise mirrors the pattern seen across Europe over the past decade: coaches who have trained under Guardiola often carry an imprint of his footballing ideology.
Arteta, though, is perhaps the most prominent example, having guided Arsenal to consecutive title challenges and rebuilt the club around a younger, faster and tactically sophisticated squad.
But while the Arsenal manager has forged his own identity, Kompany insists that the unwavering drive Guardiola demands every day is the trait Arteta has most clearly inherited.
The Spaniard’s willingness to withstand pressure, particularly during Arsenal’s inconsistent spells in his early seasons, is another area where Kompany sees parallels between the two.
City looking to regain momentum as title race intensifies
Manchester City’s recent defeat to Newcastle United has allowed both Arsenal and Chelsea to move ahead of the reigning champions in the Premier League table.
Guardiola’s side, usually so consistent during the early months of the season, suddenly find themselves playing catch-up as the title race begins to take shape.
The loss at St James’ Park has raised questions about City’s sharpness and depth, particularly with rivals strengthening over the summer.
But this weekend could present Guardiola with a timely chance to close the gap.
Arsenal and Chelsea are set to meet at Stamford Bridge in one of the early headline fixtures of the season, meaning points will be dropped by at least one of City’s direct competitors.
Should Guardiola’s side take advantage, it could mark a turning point. City host a struggling Leeds team, a match that on paper provides a clear opportunity to reclaim momentum and reassert their familiar dominance.
Leeds have shown flashes of promise but have struggled defensively, especially away from home, leaving City strong favourites to take all three points.
