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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's former Everton team-mate Joleon Lescott admits he never imagined the Spaniard would become a manager.
The 43-year-old is now in his sixth full campaign as Gunners boss. After beginning his coaching journey under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta made the leap in December 2019 when the former Arsenal skipper was named as manager in north London. Despite inheriting the role midway through the season, he steered his team to FA Cup glory in 2020.
While that cup win remains Arteta's only trophy during his tenure at the Emirates, he has transformed Arsenal from top-four contenders to Premier League title challengers. Following a hectic summer, they appear ready to launch another bid for the top-flight. Yet Lescott, who featured alongside Arteta in over 100 matches for Everton, never anticipated he would excel in such a position.
Speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, Lescott said: "I didn't think he was going to be a manager. I definitely knew Mikel knew the game. He was very astute and knowledgeable. But I didn't see it.
"When I first went to Everton, he was kind of like the left winger, then he went to play in midfield as a six, and he went to Arsenal in that role.
"But the way he played there, then I was like, 'Oh, you are maybe way more of an intelligent footballer than I appreciated.' I just thought he was intelligent and technically very good."
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However, finishing as runners-up to both City and Liverpool in recent campaigns, whilst failing to secure any silverware, has resulted in mounting pressure on Arteta, reports the Mirror.
Following significant summer investment, with the acquisitions of players like Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi strengthening an already formidable squad, many feel Arteta's window to deliver either a league crown or European honour is narrowing.
Nevertheless, Lescott disagrees and believes that even should the Gunners fall short in their pursuit of major silverware this term, the 43-year-old's position remains entirely secure.
"He's not going to be sacked, is he? He is not going to be sacked. If they only win the FA Cup or League Cup, they're not sacking Mikel Arteta," said Lescott.
"Other teams are progressing as well. It's not like everyone is staying the same. Liverpool just spent ridiculous amounts of money after winning the league!
"Forget the money, this is the best team and squad Arsenal have ever had, but it is also the best team the likes of Liverpool have ever had too."
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