Former Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has praised the club for backing Mikel Arteta in the early days of his reign, believing there are parallels with how Liverpool have backed Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield in the late kick-off on Saturday in a game that will decide who sits at the top of the Premier League table for Christmas, with Mustafi previewing the game for Sky Germany.
Arsenal are currently top of the table with 39 points from 17 games so far, while Liverpool sit behind them and Aston Villa in third place on 38 points, albeit with a better goal difference by one.
It means a point could see them sitting at the top of the table over the festive period, while a win for Arsenal could see them open up a gap that will only further strengthen their title dreams for a second season.
The pair are very much in the race at this moment in time, having backed their managers, Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp again in the summer with big signings to help transform their squads.
Indeed, both the Spaniard and the German have received nothing but support from their clubs in recent years, something Mustafi is keen to praise when analysing them ahead of the big clash.
“I read that the average tenure of a coach in Europe’s top five leagues is nine months. But it takes a lot longer to build something together,” he said.
“Arsenal gave Arteta time and resources to implement his ideas. Last season Arsenal were first for a long time and were runners-up, now the Gunners are top of the table again.
“I’m no longer as close as I was when I was at Arsenal, but I think the club has managed to get everyone in the same boat and sailing in the same direction. This is the only way to guarantee long-term success, and this is the only way you can set yourself apart from the others.
“There are parallel (with Liverpool). Klopp initially sparked euphoria, he was criticized at times, but he continuously built a foundation in Liverpool and celebrated success with his team. For me personally, this is exactly the right path.”
