Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has now given his verdict on certain decisions Mikel Arteta has made as manager of the club.
Mikel Arteta has instigated huge changes at Arsenal since his appointment as manager in the December of 2019.
The club were not in a good place when he took the reins, and a toxic rift had grown between the club and the fans.
The Spanish coach has healed this divide and has made the Gunners genuine title contenders once again. Reiss Nelson has hailed Arteta for creating a positive atmosphere at Arsenal.
Reviving Arsenal was no simple task, and progress was not always smooth. The manager came under plenty of pressure at times earlier on in his tenure. Sporting director Edu has since explained why Arsenal never considered sacking Arteta.
Instead, the club stood by the Spaniard and gave him the freedom he needed to make tough decisions. Big name players such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were forced out of the first-team picture, faith was put in young players like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, and money was spent in the transfer market. Arteta has been backed to invest heavily in the likes of Kai Havertz, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, and Declan Rice, amongst others.
The boss has been able to build a young, talented, and hungry squad in his own image, and Arsenal will now still be in with a shout of being crowned Premier League champions come the final day of this season.
Cesc Fabregas hails Arsenal evolution under Mikel Arteta
Cesc Fabregas has been impressed by how Arteta has navigated the challenges and pitfalls that face an Arsenal manager, and has credited the coach for making positive changes at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to CBS Sports Golazo, he said: “Mikel Arteta has done a transformation at the club. I look up to him because it’s something I’m trying to do it here [at Como] as well. I know how difficult it is and how much time it can take. I know the brutal decisions you must take.
“He has done so well. So has Edu. A fantastic guy. They understand each other very well. They are growing. They have set up a real structure and DNA. The culture and the training is fantastic.”
Fabregas has now transitioned into the world of coaching himself, and has taken charge of Italian club Como. Fabregas is being supported by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in this venture. He will be looking at the example set by Arteta for inspiration and guidance.
Importance of Edu at Arsenal cannot be overlooked
Edu also deserves plenty of credit for his part in the Gunners’ recent rise. Arsenal have largely made very wise moves in the transfer market of late, and player contracts have been handled expertly, with key figures tied down to new deals efficiently and with a minimum of fuss.
He and Arteta will now be working on a plan to take Arsenal to the next level again over the course of the summer.