Mikel Arteta has described Mauricio Pochettino as a big brother and believes the Chelsea manager is turning things around at Stamford Bridge. The pair played together for a year at Paris Saint-Germain, both arriving in 2001 and striking up a friendship that has lasted until the present day. They have gone on to become top coaches but Arsenal’s game at Chelsea on Saturday will be the first time they have faced off as opposing managers. Arteta is, at 41, 10 years younger than Pochettino and credits the Argentinian for taking him under his wing. “It was my first professional opportunity in Paris and we arrived at the same time and lived together in a hotel for three months,” Arteta said. “He was critical, has been one of the most influential people in my career. Firstly as a player, he took me under the arm and looked after me like a little child, a little brother, and he was a big part of the success I had in Paris. It was because of him because he really looked after me, gave me a lot of confidence and a lot of advice.”
‘He looked after me’: Arteta thanks Pochettino for help before Chelsea clash
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