Why Mikel Arteta called Pep Guardiola right before Arsenal’s triumph over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu

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Arsenal answered all of the questions levelled at them with an emphatic win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.

Mikel Arteta singled out Declan Rice as the player who ‘turned the game around’ with his powerful and dominant display in midfield.

Jakub Kiwior was excellent in defence once again alongside William Saliba and the goal scorers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were electric on both wings.

Luis Enrique praised Arsenal after their victory over PSG back in October 2024 and the Gunners now face his side once again in the semi-final. Arteta revealed after the game in Madrid a big reason behind his success as a manager.

READ MORE: William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes react to Jakub Kiwior’s performance in Arsenal’s Bernabeu win

Mikel Arteta’s message to Pep Guardiola before Arsenal’s clash with Real Madrid

Speaking at his post match press conference of Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid, Gunners boss Arteta spoke of a phone call between him and Pep Guardiola on the morning of the game at the Bernabeu.

Arteta stated: “I called him this morning, because I believe that I am here largely because of him. First, because for me as a player and coach, he was an inspiration.

“Then because he was the person who decided to take a chance on me, to bring me into his coaching staff and to live four wonderful years next to him.

“I think it’s a gratitude that I will always have for him, and if not, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here.”

Mikel Arteta leads Arsenal to first Champions League semi-final since 2009

Arteta has transformed Arsenal since his arrival in December 2019 and his latest achievement of reaching the Champions League semi final for the first time since 2009 further demonstrates that.

From a side languishing in mid table and having too many ‘star’ players calling the shots in the dressing room, Arteta has installed a real team culture that could make history.

Arteta is wary of PSG’s threat but can take confidence from the fact that his side are getting better and better at negotiating knockout football in Europe.

They may not have the experience on paper but Arsenal’s performance in Madrid was one of a team that knows how to get over the line and if they can do that come the end of May, they have a place in Arsenal history forever.