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Mikel Arteta said that management is “a much more difficult job than playing”, as he opened up his confusion at the poor form of Arsenal this season.
Arteta, 38, enjoyed a successful career as a midfielder with players such as Rangers, Everton and Arsenal after reaching the ranks of Barcelona’s academy.
He hung up his boots in 2016 and became Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City before accepting the Gunners job last year.
The Spaniard had a good start to life in Arsenal’s hot seat, but things have dramatically worsened since last summer’s FA Cup win.
And Arteta has been left with a “big headache” trying to understand the reason for the loss of form in this campaign.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
Have I had sleepless nights? Yes, it is a 24/7 job, “said Arteta.” It is a much more difficult job than playing. There are also many external things, very challenging.
“A lot of problems and then when the results hit you like this, sometimes you can’t find the right reasons to understand why we are losing football matches, when we produce what we produce. It’s a big headache.
“But it’s also the beauty of this game, finding ways to do things in a different way.
“My responsibility is to motivate the players, to keep them together, to keep the team spirit alive, even when you are not winning games.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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“That is not an easy thing to do and it takes a lot of energy and sometimes when you are frustrated and sad you have to find time somewhere to deal with it.
“My path has been with my family and all the people who are here with me at the club, the board of directors, Edu, they have all been super supportive and that has helped me a lot.”
Arteta is aware that the decisions he makes have a knock-on effect on the mood of all Arsenal employees.
He added: “I always say that you have 70 hearts in the training field and the stadium that you have to take care of every day.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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“Every decision you make has an impact on their lives, their mood, and the day after. So you are very aware of that and you get emotionally attached to this football club.
“That makes the emotion even bigger and stronger, and that will drain your energy.”
Despite her admission of the toll that management has taken on her, Arteta spoke of her “love” for her job.
“I’ve probably adapted a lot more than I thought I would when I took the team,” he said.
“First I had to analyze very well what was happening, what we can and cannot do.
“There are certain things that are much better because of the qualities of the players that we have and other things that we are probably not ready for yet.
“We have to adapt because at the end of the day we have to make life as simple, clear and efficient as possible for our players when they enter that field.
“I question myself every day. Even when you win, things always happen. But I have to say that I love it. It was my decision to be here and I couldn’t be more proud. “
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