Mikel Arteta has refused to take credit for Morocco’s run to the World Cup semi-final.
The Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the final four by beating Portugal, setting up a mouth-watering tie with holders France on Wednesday evening.
It has since emerged that manager Walid Regragui – who was only appointed in August – attended a coaching seminar held by the Arsenal manager last year.
Arteta was reportedly presenting a session based on tactics, using Arsenal’s win over Manchester City as an example to explain his coaching and philosophies.
The 40-year-old led the Gunners to the top of the Premier League before the World Cup and holds a five-point advantage over champions City, with the two teams finally set to meet on February 15.
Regragui, meanwhile, has been hailed as the mastermind behind Morocco’s run, knitting a strong defensive base together with a number of hugely talented attacking players to take the tournament by storm.
Of the Morocco manager, Arteta said: "The impact he’s having, his service, It’s total credit to them.
“What he’s doing is amazing, what the team is transmitting is great. I think it’s a really positive thing for world football to have an African team at this stage”
