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Alan Stubbs suggests Mikel Arteta won’t be soft touch at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s former Everton teammate Alan Stubbs has suggested the Spaniard won’t be afraid to get tough at the Emirates Stadium.
It is widely anticipated that the Manchester City assistant manager will become Unai Emery’s permanent successor, is effectively done.
Arteta will be tasked with turning around the club’s fortunes after an underwhelming start to the 2019/20 season.
The former midfielder will try to get Arsenal back into the Champions League, although that will be a tall order with the club currently seven points adrift of the top four and playing poorly.
The proposed appointment isn’t convincing all Gunners supporters, but perhaps the words of Stubbs will bring the sceptics onside.
: “He’s got an opinion, he had that as a player. He wasn’t afraid to say something if things weren’t right on the pitch.
“He’s got a very strong opinion of how he wants to play and how he wants to manage.
“He’s one of them, who if somebody crosses him, I don’t think he’d have a full-blown argument with them, but they won’t be at the club long.
“I think this is where the Arsenal hierarchy have really got to back Mikel, if it is Mikel [who gets the job].”
TBR’s view – Stubbs says what Arsenal fans want to hear
Stubbs’ comments are likely to go down very well with Arsenal fans, a lot of whom believe the current crop of players need firmer management.
Emery proved a rather soft touch during his time in charge, and many are crying out for someone to bring everyone in line, someone to instill a good balance of harmony and discipline.
The fact Arteta may have a mean streak is surely going to be a good thing for Arsenal’s current dressing room.