Mikel Arteta is on the verge of losing a key member of his coaching staff, with Carlos Cuesta reportedly set to take over as head coach of Serie A side Parma. This move represents a significant step in Cuesta's burgeoning career and poses a potential challenge for Arteta, who has relied on the Spaniard's tactical acumen and insights over the past five years.
Cuesta, who joined Arsenal in August 2020, is poised to become one of the youngest managers in Serie A history at just 29 years old. Before his stint with the Gunners, he honed his coaching skills in the youth setups of Atletico Madrid and Juventus. His journey from coaching youth teams to potentially managing in a top European league highlights his rapid rise through the ranks.
During his time at Arsenal, Cuesta has been a valuable asset to Arteta. He played a role in the team's Community Shield victories in 2020 and 2023. Beyond trophies, Cuesta contributed to Arsenal's tactical development and individual player improvement. He is fluent in six languages, which facilitated effective communication within Arsenal's diverse squad. His expertise lies in enhancing players' tactical understanding. Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka once predicted that Cuesta would become a manager for a "big, big, big club," citing his clear ideas and ambition.
Arteta has previously acknowledged the growing interest in his coaching staff, viewing it as a positive reflection of the quality of individuals within the club. He emphasized the importance of providing a development path for staff members, fostering curiosity, and challenging them to explore their limits. While Cuesta's departure will be a loss for Arsenal, it also presents an opportunity for Arteta to potentially reshuffle his coaching setup or promote from within.
Parma's decision to appoint Cuesta reflects a bold move by the Italian club, entrusting a young and relatively inexperienced coach with first-team responsibilities in a competitive league. Parma, a club with a rich history, having previously been managed by Carlo Ancelotti early in his career, clearly sees potential in Cuesta's abilities. Cuesta will be stepping into the managerial role that was recently vacated by Cristian Chivu, who has taken over at Inter Milan.
The move is not entirely out of the blue, as Cuesta has prior experience in Italian football, having served as an assistant manager for Juventus' Under-17 team from 2018 to 2020. He also spent four years coaching at Atletico Madrid. While he may not be Arteta's primary assistant – that role is often attributed to Albert Stuivenberg – Cuesta is considered a key figure in Arteta's inner circle. His communication skills were particularly highlighted in the Amazon 'All or Nothing' documentary, showcasing his ability to connect with players on an individual level.
Cuesta's departure could prompt Arteta to consider a reshuffle of his backroom staff or promote from within the existing setup. As Arsenal prepare for their pre-season training camp, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the high standards that have been established within the coaching team.
