Arsenal job is a ‘bigger draw’ than managing Barcelona, says Paul Merson | BWWQ097 | 2024-02-01 16:08:01
Arsenal job is a 'bigger draw' than managing Barcelona, says Paul Merson | BWWQ097 | 2024-02-01 16:08:01
Paul Merson says the 'recreation has modified' and Arsenal at the moment are a 'greater draw' for Mikel Arteta than Barcelona.
On the weekend, a report from Spanish outlet Sport claimed Arteta had informed his close circle that he was considering leaving the Gunners at the end of the season, four-and-a-half years after taking up the reins from Unai Emery.
It came as Xavi announced his impending departure from Barca and Arteta has been mooted as a potential successor on the Camp Nou, with the Spaniard's identify considered excessive up on the club's shortlist of managerial targets.
Nevertheless, Arsenal moved shortly to pour chilly water on the hypothesis emanating from Catalonia, insisting Arteta was dedicated to the cause in north London as they battle for honours in the Premier League and Champions League this term.
At his press conference on Monday, Arteta echoed the sentiment and stated he had been 'upset' by the 'pretend information' that had unfold surrounding his future.
Asked whether there was any fact to the rumours, he advised the media: 'No, that's completely pretend news. What I read yesterday I don't know the place it's coming from. I'm really upset about it.
'I couldn't consider it. I don't know where it's coming from. I feel we've got to be very cautious once you speak about personal issues especially.
'I'm in the correct place.'
In his column for Sky Sports, Merson stated he understood Arteta's anger in the direction of the speculation and advised the 41-year-old to resist Barca's advances as they're not a 'huge menace' in European soccer.
'Mikel has stated he isn't proud of it and has denied it. You need to go together with his phrase,' the ex-Arsenal and England midfielder stated.
'The sport has changed now, Arsenal is a much bigger draw than Barcelona for my part.
'Five, 10, 15 years ago, you ask any footballer or manager on the earth they usually all needed to play for or manage Actual Madrid or Barcelona. That was the top of your soccer career.
'But I do not assume that's now the case with Barcelona anymore, they are an also-ran.
'They don't seem to be an enormous menace in Europe anymore and are properly of the tempo in the title race, while they obtained smashed again the other night time [against Villarreal].
'5, six, seven years ago I'll have stated, "I don't see anything but Arteta leaving", though I might be improper, however I do not see how they're a much bigger draw than Arsenal at this time.
'I do not see how they are a step ahead, then there are their finances and you'd somewhat work with Arsenal's squad of players than Barcelona's proper now.'
In line with Merson, Arteta's men should safe maximum factors from their subsequent two video games towards Nottingham Forest and Liverpool to maintain their title hopes intact.
'Arsenal need to win their next two video games, it is as simple as that. If they do not get something but six points out of those subsequent two games, then that shall be that,' he added.
'They had to win in their last league recreation they usually gained it very properly. So credit score where it's due, although I feel it was a little bit of a Polyfilla outcome, it coated over the cracks.
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'Arsenal haven't gone and received a centre-forward and I feel that might be the factor that comes and bites them on the end.
'That day towards Palace, they put away their possibilities, however you must keep in mind they went 2-Zero up by means of a centre-half and then two objectives from a substitute.
'So you've got to have a look at the all-round image there and these are two huge games – win each of these and they're massively within the title race, but do not win them and I feel they are solely preventing for the highest four.'
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