Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed full confidence in Enzo Maresca, predicting the new Manchester City boss will do an "unbelievable job" as he steps into the shoes of the departed Pep Guardiola.

The two sides meet in the Community Shield at Cardiff on Sunday — a fixture that doubles as Maresca's first major occasion in charge of City since Guardiola brought his decade-long tenure to a close at the end of last season. Arsenal arrive as Premier League champions, while City hold the FA Cup.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta — who spent four years as Guardiola's assistant at City — offered warm words for his former mentor before turning his attention to the man now tasked with keeping City among England's elite.

"It's been a pleasure and now it's Enzo," Arteta said, via France 24. "I know him well and he will provide something different to the club. What I know is that Enzo has the personality, the character, and especially the knowledge to do an unbelievable job there."

Arteta pointed to Maresca's track record — which includes work in the UEFA Champions League and his spell at Chelsea — as evidence that City made the right appointment.

"That's why he's been selected, because they could probably pick anybody and they've gone for Enzo for the right reasons. He has demonstrated that at every level. I have no doubt that he will do a great job."

Arteta's tribute to Guardiola

The Arsenal boss also took a moment to reflect on Guardiola's extraordinary legacy in English football, crediting the departing City manager with transforming how the Premier League is understood worldwide.

"For the Premier League, for the country, the way he has opened a different way of understanding the game — he has escalated the Premier League to a different level," Arteta said. "I was very lucky to be part of that for four years and understand and witness how it's done daily. It's remarkable and unique."

Guardiola departed City after winning 20 major trophies across his ten-year reign. Arteta left little doubt about how he regards his former manager's place in the sport's history.

"I would say that he's the best coach in the history of football. He's done it in different countries, in different ways. He will be missed in the Premier League."