Learning from Pochettino & aiding Okocha - how PSG loan shaped Arteta

Learning from Pochettino & aiding Okocha - how PSG loan shaped ArtetaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mikel Arteta made 53 appearances for Paris St-Germain during an 18-month loan spellByMatthew HowarthBBC Sport journalistPublished1 October 2024326 CommentsUpdated 7 May 2025A version of this article was first published on 7 May 2025.In January 2001, Mikel Arteta left Barcelona for Paris St-Germain in a move that would ultimately help transform one of the most intelligent midfielders of his generation into one of the game's top coaches.It was where he first displayed the leadership qualities he has since shown as Arsenal manager - the ones that enabled him to deliver the club's first Premier League title in 22 years and, he hopes, will also yield a first Champions League title when the Gunners face PSG in Saturday's final.The 18-year-old Arteta, faced with the impossible task of usurping Pep Guardiola, France's World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit, Netherlands international Phillip Cocu and Xavi Hernandez in Barcelona’s star-studded midfield, had moved to the French capital on an 18-month loan deal.PSG were yet to become French football’s dominant force but had progressed to the second group stage of the Champions League and boasted several big names of their own, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Nicolas Anelka and Mauricio Pochettino.A young Brazilian by the name of Ronaldinho would join the club from Gremio later that year.Arteta barely spoke any French, but a small contingent of Spanish speakers helped him settle quickly in Ligue 1 and despite his tender years, the teenager made a big impression at the Parc des Princes.'He had the football brain'Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A young Arteta (3rd left) in training with his PSG team-matesOne of the first players to take Arteta under his wing was Pochettino, who the Spaniard has since described as his “big brother” and “football father”.The Argentine, 10 years his senior, also...