Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta jumped to the defense of the club’s moneymen on Tuesday after fans hoisted a banner over Villa Park saying “Back Arteta, Kroenke Out.”
A 1-0 loss to relegation fighters Aston Villa left Arsenal 10th in the Premier League and facing their worst finish since 1995, when they were 12th.
While there have been encouraging signs of progress since former captain Arteta took office in December, not least significant consecutive wins last week over Liverpool in the league and Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, the need to strengthen the team. it’s obvious if Arsenal is a challenge for the top four.
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American billionaire owner Stan Kroenke has come under fire from Arsenal fans for lack of adventure in the transfer market.
“I have full support from the Kroenkes, the board, the sports director,” Arteta said at a press conference. “We are preparing a very solid plan to try to do everything we can in the shortest period.”
“At the end of the day, the league table does not lie and we know the gap we have to fill. We are on board trying to do everything together.”
Arteta was asked if the comments he made after the victory over Liverpool had triggered the plane stunt. After that game, he said it was a “concern” whether or not he would give him enough transfer funds to strengthen.
“I don’t know, but if that’s the impression, it’s not what I wanted to do,” said the Spaniard. “I wanted to emphasize, and would do it again, we need to improve in many areas.
“The first is my responsibility to improve the team, individually and the mindset, of course. After that, in certain areas we have to improve.”
“Uncertainty is reality. We have uncertainty because the coronavirus hit everyone hard, we don’t know if we are ending up in Europe and there is uncertainty with some players. I have to try to be honest and that’s what I said.”
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