The small Basque club that produced Arteta, Alonso and Iraola
The Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool managers all began their football journeys in the Basque region
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Go to San Sebastian, come back and then ask me the question."
— Mikel Arteta , Executive
"We've been lucky enough to coincide with a generation of players that is historic."
— Roberto Montiel , Executive
"It's probably the passion, the food and the education we all had."
— Mikel Arteta , Executive
Key People
Andoni Iraola is a football manager who was a target for Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta is the head coach of Arsenal.
Roberto Montiel is the vice-president and sporting director of Antiguoko Kirol Elkartea.
Xabi Alonso is a former footballer and current manager known for his success in football both as a player and coach.
All Coverage
The Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool managers all began their football journeys in the Basque region
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Arsenal want Argentina's Alvarez - Monday's gossip
Arsenal want to sign Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, Aston Villa hijack Newcastle's move for Johan Manzambi, plus more.
July 12, 2026 at 09:56 PMI want to give fans a team to be proud of - Iraola
Andoni Iraola wants to give Liverpool fans "a team that they can be proud of" and says he is ready for the responsibility of such a big job.
July 13, 2026 at 12:54 PMTiming took me to Chelsea rather than Liverpool - Alonso
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says his arrival at Stamford Bridge instead of Liverpool was "about timings".
July 13, 2026 at 07:00 PMFormer Chelsea boss Rosenior appointed Paris FC manager - Reuters
Former Chelsea boss Rosenior appointed Paris FC manager Reuters
July 7, 2026 at 09:00 AMHow De la Fuente's Spain are closing in on greatness
Before Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, Guillem Balague talks to Spain boss Luis de la Fuente about their identity and Lamine Yamal.
July 10, 2026 at 06:47 AMArtificial turf & coaching revolution - how Norway shaped golden generation
Artificial turf, investment from gambling and a coaching revolution based on collaboration over egos help Norway build a golden generation of players.
July 11, 2026 at 05:31 AM