Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is aiming to win back the Premier League title for the north Londoners – after going close in each of the last two seasons.
Former Arsenal midfielder and teammate of Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky, believes the Gunners must now show they can surpass Manchester City in the Premier League this season.
Rosicky and Arteta made 68 appearances together for Arsenal in the centre of the pitch as the duo became fan favourites. Following the end of their playing careers, both men decided to remain in football.
While Arteta was mentored by Pep Guardiola at City, Rosicky chose to go into the boardroom. After ending his career back at Sparta Prague, the Czech footballing icon decided to transition into a sporting director role at his hometown club.
Rosicky found himself back in England on Wednesday night as Sparta made the difficult trip to the Etihad Stadium for the clash with City in the Champions League. Ahead of the game, he caught up with TNT Sports who asked him for his verdict on Arteta and Arsenal’s current team.
“He had [managerial abilities] in him for a long time you could see that when we were younger and playing together he was preparing for his life after retirement,” the 44-year-old explained. “Basically, he was doing his badges and things like that and you could see the leadership qualities that you can see now on the bench.
“Of course, I wish him well and I hope they can make it and I think the last season they, Mikel and the whole club showed that they can compete with Manchester City and win it [the Premier League]. They have to show it, they have to prove it and I believe they will put up another good challenge, fingers crossed.”
Arsenal returned to winning ways on Tuesday night thanks to a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. They currently sit four points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s huge clash with Arne Slot’s team at the Emirates Stadium.