Ruud Gullit has claimed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta 'stole' Pep Guardiola's tactical system, attributing his Premier League title success to the methods he learned from the Manchester City boss. Arteta edged out his former colleague to claim the league crown this season, while Guardiola is set to leave City at the end of the campaign after a trophy-laden decade.
Speaking to MrRaffle.com, Gullit said: 'You have to give Pep credit. He created a whole new team... everyone who stole Pep's ideas is doing well. Mikel Arteta stole everything from him. He instilled that build-up-from-the-back philosophy; that's how he won everything.' The Dutch legend warned that clubs without suitable players should not attempt to mimic Guardiola's style.
Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports in 2023, defended his philosophy, stating: 'I am pretty sure what worked 20 or 30 years ago playing that way would work today... It depends on the feelings of the managers. The way your team want to play. It is as simple as that.'
