Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared an emotional insight into his upcoming clashes with childhood friends Xabi Alonso of Chelsea and Andoni Iraola, the current manager of Liverpool. Arteta highlighted the unique scenario where three boys from the same neighbourhood now oversee top clubs in the Premier League.
The Spanish tactician reminisced about their shared upbringing and considered the competitiveness of their current roles:
It's the same situation with Andoni Iraola, who now manages Liverpool. We all played together back in the day. It’s simply phenomenal: we lived just five minutes apart, played for the same youth team, and now we’re coaching three different clubs in the Premier League at such a high level. It’s truly remarkable. Of course, I wish them all the best—except when they’re playing against us.
