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Mikel Arteta says David Moyes made him a “better person” during their time together at Everton and that he is delighted to see his former coach rebuild his reputation with West Ham.
Arsenal will visit the London stadium on Sunday for a match that is of considerable importance to both teams’ European credentials, given that West Ham is three points behind the top four and the Arteta team is seven more than they. Arteta worked with Moyes for six years at Goodison Park after joining Everton when he was 22 and has often paid a generous tribute to his influence.
“I think it made me a better person, it made me mature in the early stages of my career,” he said. “It was really demanding and challenging but at the same time really, really supportive.
“I really liked the way he handled the group and the people. It really installed a real belief throughout the club to be together all the time, to take care of each other, and no one was more important than the team. It really created a special atmosphere when we were together. “
Moyes turned West Ham around during his second stint in East London and Arteta admits to feeling hurt when he saw him fight, in a succession of less productive terms at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland, to replicate Everton’s old magic. .
“I suffered when he had a difficult time because I did not think it was very fair for him that they did not give him time in some places,” he said. “I know his qualities and I’m glad to see that he now enjoys it and does what he is really good at. I can see that his team is what it is and what he likes to do ”.
The pair speak regularly and Arteta said it would be an “incredible step” for Moyes to take West Ham, 16th last season, to Europe this time.
Arteta must assess the state of his team, many of which were in action on Thursday against Olympiakos. Bukayo Saka missed the Europa League tie with a hamstring problem and still has doubts. Willian, absent with a tight calf, is also being monitored.
