Parma Coach Carlos Cuesta Reflects on Difficult Move from Arsenal and Ambitious Serie A Challenge
Carlos Cuesta, who took over as head coach of Parma in June 2025 at the age of 30, has become the youngest Serie A head coach since 1939. Previously an assistant under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal for five years, Cuesta described leaving the club as perhaps the most difficult decision of his life.
Cuesta's coaching journey includes time at Atlético Madrid's academy and Juventus' U17 and U23 teams, where he developed into a promising managerial prospect under the mentorship of Arteta. He continues to regard Arteta as a major influence, praising him as an incredible leader and human being, and they remain in regular contact.
Parma's squad is one of the youngest in Europe, ranking as the third-youngest among the top five European leagues. The team recently secured a win at Pisa that helped them move clear of relegation danger, though they experienced a home defeat to Lazio after two players were sent off.
Cuesta emphasizes adaptability to context, maximizing resources, and fostering a competitive mindset to overcome adversity. He prioritizes earning his players’ trust and encourages day-to-day learning within the squad.
Born in Mallorca as the youngest of four siblings, Cuesta began coaching at Santa Catalina Atlético, studied sports science in Madrid, and built his career through roles with Atlético Madrid, Juventus, and Arsenal before taking on his current challenge at Parma.
