Rafa Yuste: I completely deny the rumours linking Arteta with Barça

Rafa Yuste: I completely deny the rumours linking Arteta with Barça

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Laporta's right-hand man knocked back reports suggesting the Arsenal coach could take over

Rafa Yuste, who is part of Joan Laporta's team and will be on the board at the club if Laporta is elected on Sunday, spoke to COPE on Monday about events at the club.

At the weekend, it was revealed that Laporta has lined up Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta as a possible replacement for Ronald Koeman if things don't work out this season.

Arteta played for Barça's B team as a youngster before embarking on a successful career in Scotland and England. Before working at Arsenal, he was Pep Guardiola's No.2 at Manchester City.

However, Yuste says reports he's in line for a job at Camp Nou are wide of the mark.

"I completely deny it," he said. "I hope Ronald has a successful season. Joan and I want to give him and the players our support and send them a message of motivation.

"Koeman's doing a commendable job, being brave and betting on the academy. All of that, without a president, has a lot of value. Arteta is a great coach, Pep's friend, but we haven't spoken with him."

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