Arteta discusses old rumors about him joining Pochettino at Tottenham

Mikel Arteta has denied that he was close to joining Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham Hotspur coaching staff, despite the fact that the

manager regards the Argentinian as a "football father." 

The Spaniard tactician is prepared to play Spurs in a north London derby on Thursday evening, which may secure Arsenal's place in the

next season. 

It would cap off an amazing recovery under Arteta after the team missed out on European competition outright in 2020-21.

Arteta wants to improve his image at Emirates Stadium, where he spent the last years of his playing career before joining Pep Guardiola's coaching team at Manchester City. 

He was questioned about being rumored to bridge the division and join rivals

when they were coached by current PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino. 

That was a speculated possibility in 2016, but the Gunners leader has shot down the idea while emphasizing his friendship with the former Tottenham manager. 

"No," Arteta said when asked if there was truth to the rumours. "My relationship with Mauricio comes from when I was 18 years old."

Arteta was a teammate of Pochettino when he was on loan from Barcelona to PSG as a youngster.

"I have always said, for me, he was like a football father," Arteta said. "I have an extraordinary relationship with him. But unfortunately, he was a coach at Spurs, and I was here at the time. That relationship hasn't changed, but that isn't the case."

Following this season's revival, Arteta discussed his team's rapport with its supporters, stating he thinks a derby victory will enhance their affinity. 

"The players want to show them gratitude for the way they have performed with the team," he added. "That would be the answer – to say thank you.

"We're in this together, and now the journey is going to change us, and I think we are going to be more excited about the future."

With a win against Tottenham, Arsenal will be guaranteed Champions League football, while a loss for Tottenham will guarantee Chelsea a top-four finish.

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