Grateful Carlos Cuesta explains why he left Arsenal for Parma | OneFootball

Carlos Cuesta is grateful to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta for allowing him to become the new Parma coach, but feels that a move to the Stadio Tardini was ‘a natural choice.’

The 29-year-old Spanish tactician was appointed as the new Parma boss last week.

He had been working at Arsenal as Arteta’s assistant in the previous seasons.

Cuesta was unveiled at a press conference on Thursday in the presence of Parma director Federico Cherubini.

“I want to thank Arsenal, Director Andrea Berta, and Coach Mikel Arteta for allowing Carlos to embark on this adventure,” said the Parma executive via TMW.

“Cuesta is young, ambitious, and what struck me the most is how structured he is, considering his young age.

“We believe it’s the right choice to support a project that has short-term targets linked to results. However, we’ll also ask him and his staff to be well-integrated to help us build a club culture that incorporates the youth sector, not just the first team.”

Cuesta explains Parma switch from Arsenal

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Carlos Cuesta, Assistant Coach of Arsenal arrives alongside Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, ahead of a training session at London Colney on April 16, 2024 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Cuesta explained his decision to leave Arsenal to take charge of a senior professional team for the first time in his career.

“I want to thank President Krause and Arsenal for allowing me to be here. I thank Mr Fabio Pecchia and Cristian Chivu for the job they did, which laid the foundation for the present and future of Parma,” he said.

“I’m honoured to be part of a high-level club in Italy and abroad. It was a natural choice, as I had felt great trust from the very start of the negotiations. Age can be a surprise, but it’s always been this way for me. Age is just a number. I don’t want it to be an excuse, I want to be assessed as the Parma coach and do my best as I’ve always done in my life.”

The Spaniard admitted that the call from the Ducali surprised him.

“I didn’t expect it. I was focused on my work at Arsenal, and I was really happy,” he said.

What Cuesta learned from Arteta at Arsenal

LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on November 05, 2024 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

“However, when the chance came, I thought it was the right one. I’ve tried to get ready in the best way.”

Arsenal coach Arteta is only one of his role models.

“I want to learn from everyone. I’ve had many points of reference. Working in Spain, Italy and England with Arteta helped me develop certain ideas,” Cuesta said.

“I try to learn for everyone, not only those working in football. I want to give players a chance to grow.

“We’ll have clear principles with the goal of maximising our resources and doing our best to convey the team’s identity. The team has the potential to work well,” he continued.

Carlos Cuesta Parma press conference (@1913parmacalcio)

Parma secured survival in the final game of the 2024-25 campaign.

“Serie A is a league with many good players and coaches. It’s a wonderful challenge,” noted Cuesta.

“We’ll have a clear identity and a guideline, but you need to be versatile and ready for different solutions in football.

“I’ve felt a beautiful energy. I’ve found humble people who made me feel at home. I’ve heard nice things about the environment at the Tardini, and there are many things we want to see on the pitch. There is a desire to work, and the mentality and willingness to help one another will be fundamental in our approach to representing Parma in the best possible way.”

Cuesta has signed a two-year contract until 2027 with an option to extend for a further campaign.