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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told his squad that he wants fighters, not victims, as he looks to help the Gunners out of a potential relegation fight.
Defeat at Everton Saturday leaves the Gunners 15th in the table and without a Premier League win since Nov. 1. That nightmarish seven-game streak has seen them scoop just two points.
Arteta is currently the favorite to become the next Premier League manager to be relieved of his duties. The Spanish has spoken out about those struggles as a result.
A toothless attack has been part of the problem and only the last three current teams have managed less than Arsenal’s 12 goals. To make matters worse, captain and regular scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is sidelined with a calf problem.
Arteta’s position as Arsenal boss is coming under increasing scrutiny due to the losing streak of results and performances. He has received public endorsement from both CEO Vinai Venkatesham and Technical Director Edu for the past 10 days.
The Spaniard, who took over the job just over a year ago, has suggested he has no plans to leave. He also feels that he has a team of players who are willing to fight to cope with depression and get them out of harm’s way.
“There are two types of people: combatants and victims,” he said.
“You need combatants and you don’t want victims. Victims bring excuses, victims bring negativity and begin to blame whatever is happening around them or that is not going well for them.
“You need people who fight, people who contribute and people willing to give everything to the club at this time.”
When asked if he felt he had enough fighters among his ranks, Arteta added: “Yes, we do.
“But some of them may hesitate at any time because when you find yourself in this situation you have the temptation to go to the other side and start saying ‘Oh, we are scoring own goals, we cannot play with 10 men, so no’ No is that the crowd and the referee have made these decisions. ‘ Sorry, but we don’t need any of those.
“There are people who are very contagious and can transmit a certain level of energy. When you have many, it is very easy.
“You always have some on one side, some in the middle and some fully integrated. Then you have to drag as many people as you want to your side, to the side of the fight.
“And those who are not interested or cannot do it, they have to stay behind because if they are not dragging you back.”
Arteta defends Nicolás Pepe
One player who has received criticism recently is the club’s record signing Nicolas Pepe.
He scored the tying goal from the penalty spot in the loss to Everton. However, it was highlighted by criticism from Match of the Day expert Alan Shearer later that day.
The Ivory Coast winger has shone in the Europa League this season. And while he continues to flatter to deceive nationally, he retains the backing of Arteta.
“I would always defend my players,” he said.
“Anything I have to discuss with him will be internally. Pepe wants to give his best and help as much as he can. This is what interests me. It’s my job and if he doesn’t, it’s my fault.
“He is doing everything possible. We all know Nico and sometimes his body language makes him feel bad. He is suffering, he is suffering, believe me, I am close to him, and he is doing everything possible.
“He feels the responsibility because he knows why the club brought him here and he wants to fulfill that.”
READ MORE: Arteta Cites Strange Statistics and Admits Fears of Dismissal
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