Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has offered a surprising piece of advice to his former assistant Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s decisive Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola revealed he was pleased that Arteta followed his tactical advice against Real Madrid — and hinted at another game-changing move for the upcoming semi-final second leg.
“I’m so happy that Arteta listened to my advice against Madrid and it worked for him,” Guardiola told reporters. “My only advice for him as they take on PSG tomorrow is that he should play this guy in the midfield — then the game will be like a walkover for them.”
While Pep didn’t drop a name immediately, insiders close to both clubs believe he was referring to Leandro Trossard — the versatile Belgian playmaker who impressed off the bench against Real Madrid and has the technical ability and tactical intelligence Guardiola is known to admire.
Trossard’s ability to drift between the lines, control possession in tight spaces, and offer a goal threat from midfield positions could be exactly what Arsenal needs against a PSG side that struggles against mobile, unpredictable midfielders.
Guardiola has a long history with both Arteta and Arsenal, having worked alongside the Spaniard at Manchester City before his move to the Emirates. The City manager has never shied away from praising Arteta’s work and occasionally offering words of advice in key moments.
“Football is a game of small details, and sometimes one smart switch makes the difference in big games,” Guardiola added.
Arsenal fans on social media have quickly picked up the speculation, with many calling for Trossard to start in midfield ahead of the tie — a move that could unsettle PSG’s defensive shape and give the Gunners an extra creative spark.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, it remains to be seen whether Arteta will heed Guardiola’s latest piece of tactical wisdom.
