Barcelona boss Xavi has heaped praise on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The north London outfit currently find themselves at the top of the Premier League table, two points ahead of Manchester City, who have also played an extra league match this term. That kind of form has seen Arteta receive considerable plaudits for his coaching, with many fans and pundits alike surprised by the Spaniard's managerial ability.
However, someone who is not shocked is Barcelona head coach Xavi, who has also led his team to first in La Liga. When quizzed by The Times if he was surprised by Arteta's success, Xavi replied: "No, he's not surprised me because he had the best references (having worked alongside Pep Guardiola at City) and because if you have played as a central midfielder at Barca you already have a headstart — you have the map of your pitch in your head."
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"And because Pepe Reina is a close friend of his and has always spoken very well of him. I had a feeling that Arteta would do very well, but it was just a feeling."
Next up for Arteta's side is a trip to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon, where they will do battle with Leicester City before City welcome Bournemouth to the Etihad later that evening.
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