Mikel Arteta has sparked debate after leaving Jurgen Klopp off his list of the Premier League’s most influential bosses.
The German’s nine-year spell at Liverpool proved hugely successful, bringing some of the club’s greatest modern achievements, including a Premier League trophy, a Champions League title, an FA Cup, two EFL Cups, the Community Shield, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Liverpool also became the quickest side to reach 30 victories in a campaign during the 2019/20 season and fell just one point short of the 100-point milestone. Arteta, who has been shaping his own managerial reputation at Arsenal since replacing Unai Emery in 2019, has already secured the FA Cup and two Community Shields.
However, the Premier League crown, the most coveted honour, remains elusive. Whilst Klopp has been a dominant presence in English football, Arteta’s personal ‘Mount Rushmore’ spotlights the managers who shaped him most directly or left a particular mark on his coaching journey – and he named current Everton manager David Moyes ahead of Klopp.
During a Q&A with Sky Sports, Arteta was questioned about who would feature on his list of all-time Premier League managers.
He said: “Well, for personal attachment, for sure Arsene Wenger and Pep [Guardiola] has to be there 100 per cent. David Moyes has to be there as well, for what he did at Everton and for what he did for me personally.
“And then, another, I think due to the history of the Premier League and taking the level of European competition from the English perspective to a different level, Sir Alex Ferguson.”
Since leaving Liverpool, Klopp revealed he does not miss being a manager. He said: “We enjoyed life, spent time with the grandkids, completely normal stuff, knowing I will work again. But knowing as well, that I don’t want to work as a coach anymore.
“That’s what I think,” he added, when asked if he would never coach again.
“But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent (when I said it)!
“That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything.”
Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Saturday evening when they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. Meanwhile, Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday (4:30pm).
The two sides are separated by a single point at the top of the table, setting up a tight title race.
