Cuesta reveals Arteta advice ahead of fresh Parma adventure

New Parma coach Carlos Cuesta reveals his old Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gave him some valuable advice before starting this new experience. ‘He told me to always be myself.’

The tactician only turned 30 in July and this will be his first job as a senior coach, having been an assistant to Francesco Pedone and Fabio Pecchia at Juventus, then Arteta at Arsenal since 2020.

Seeing as it is new territory for the Spaniard, did his former chief give some hints and tips?

“We did talk just before my experience started here, and I wish him all the best at Arsenal, because he deserves it,” Cuesta told Sky Sport Italia.

“He gave me lots of advice, but the most important one was he told me to always be myself, trying to give my all every day as a coach.”

The pair worked together for five years and were on the touchline for 261 matches at Arsenal, winning two editions of the Community Shield in 2020-21 and 2023-24.

Cuesta youngest Serie A coach at age 30

Meanwhile, the time at Juventus from 2018 to 2020 means he already speaks fluent Italian.

With the arrival of unknown quantity Cuesta, Parma have confirmed they are ready to take chances with their coaches, as last season they sacked Pecchia to bring in Cristian Chivu for his first senior management role.

“I expect a team that is really hungry to win, has organisation and intensity. A competitive squad that is eager to represent Parma all over the world. We have a team with great potential and the desire to make their mark, we work along with the club on the transfer market.

“One of the things that impressed me the most is the professionalism of these lads. It’s fundamental to create a competitive culture, with the mentality that we’ve got to give our all every day. I found players who want to improve,” concluded Cuesta.