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Mikel Arteta says his first year in management has been one of the toughest in Arsenal’s history.
Saturday marks 12 months since Arteta was named permanent successor to Unai Emery and, despite a double success at Wembley this summer, he has had little to celebrate recently.
Those FA Cup final and Community Shield triumphs are distant memories and the last few months have been turbulent on and off the field, confirmed by Arsenal’s 15th position in the Premier League table.
The club has completed a review of its management structure and hiring department, while managing the financial consequences caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
But the recent race has overshadowed the achievements.
“It has been one of the most challenging years in the club’s history for many different reasons,” explained Arteta, who said the behind-the-scenes changes had “rocked the club in a big way.”
The 38-year-old Spaniard added: ‘I have experienced things in a year that in a normal job you would experience in eight or 10 years, but it has been great. I want to believe that I am much better as a coach. ‘
The day after his appointment, Arteta was in the stands to watch Arsenal draw 0-0 with another of his former clubs, Everton, to which he returns on Saturday night.
‘I saw an Arsenal team going through a very difficult stage in the league, a team that had doubts. They needed results, but that day they really tried hard, ‘he recalled.
“I remember sitting in the stands thinking, ‘I can’t wait to work with the players and the club.’
While Arsenal’s inconsistent side of Arteta’s first day looks a lot like his group now, he insisted: ‘It’s a team that has evolved a lot in many areas. I can see a lot of changes, but in terms of results in recent weeks we have not been anywhere near, so this is taking away from what we have done in the year and it is a shame. But it is our reality. ‘
Carlo Ancelotti was also watching at Goodison Park a year ago, having been confirmed as Everton’s new manager that morning.
Arteta said: ‘As someone who really likes Everton, having a coach like him is the best. Look at his résumé – the clubs he’s managed, the trophies he’s won, it’s amazing.
“He is one of the best in the history of football. And then the man, and what he represents as a manager. This calm, this person … you want to hug him. ‘
After his first 12 months of testing as Arsenal boss, Arteta could be forgiven for needing one.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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