'Let them fly': Mikel Arteta makes Granit Xhaka prediction ahead of Arsenal reunion | OneFootball

The midfielder started his coaching badged while still at the Gunners

Welcome: Granit Xhaka

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes Granit Xhaka will be a “great coach” in the future.

The midfielder, who will face his old club on Saturday when Sunderland host Arsenal, has made no secret about his desire to be a manager one day.

And Arteta has backed Xhaka to be a hit in the dugout if he goes down that path after hanging up his boots.

“They had a great group - Cedric [Soares], Mo Elneny, there were a few there as well,” said Arteta, when asked about players doing their coaching badges under him.

“I loved it. I’m sure if [Xhaka] wants to one day, he’s going to be a great coach, and many others that they have started their licences while they were here.

“They feel inspired, they love it and they see an opportunity as well to improve their lives after they retire.

“At the end, everybody has a pathway, everybody needs an opportunity. I got one, and the players and the people around you obviously need to have that.

“And everybody wants to develop and try things in life, and when they feel that’s the right thing to do, you have to let them fly and wish them the best.”