Why Mikel Arteta Finds Arsenal’s Setup Hard to Beat Over Barcelona or Man City
Former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar is convinced that Mikel Arteta won’t leave the Gunners for teams like Barcelona or Manchester City. The Swedish ex-player points out the challenge Arteta faces in keeping a squad full of elite players satisfied.
Arsenal Among Europe’s Elite
Limpar argues that Arsenal has cemented its place as one of Europe’s top clubs. He highlights the club’s strong presence in the transfer market and their competitiveness across four tournaments, making the managerial role highly desirable. According to Limpar, with continuous backing from the club in signing top talent, there’s little reason for Arteta to walk away from his current project.
"Everyone Wants to Play for Arsenal Now," Says Limpar
Speaking to SveaCasino, Limpar stressed how Arteta already enjoys perfect conditions in North London. The club's rising status means leaving for another top side isn’t necessary. He said:
"Why would Mikel Arteta ever leave Arsenal when they are able to sign the best players in the world for him? They are the best or second best team in Europe. Everybody wants to come and play for Arsenal now. We are a massive club nowadays."
He added that competing for the Premier League and going far in all four competitions makes Arsenal an attractive destination. Limpar also noted the quality within the squad:
"Look at the players he already has! They are all very good players. If you’re only a good player, you’re not going to fit in at Arsenal. Go and play for Brighton or Fulham or whoever. Arteta won’t find a better setup at Barcelona or Manchester City than what he already has at Arsenal, and they’re still signing him even more, even better players."
The Challenge of Managing a Star-Studded Squad
Despite praising Arsenal’s rise, Limpar warned that managing a team packed with world-class players will test Arteta’s leadership skills intensely this season.
"To have a world class team, you need ten world class outfield players, but you also need more than ten world class players who are on the bench or who don’t even play. This is the hardest job for a manager. It was hard for the likes of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. It will be hard for Mikel Arteta too to keep his squad happy. That’s the hardest thing. Arteta’s real job only starts now. He has to be a master psychologist if he is to keep everyone engaged under his umbrella."
Limpar elaborated further:
"It’s a tough business to be a manager at a top club, I can tell you that, but this has been Mikel Arteta’s dream, to have the ten best players available every game. There will be injuries, red cards and changes in form. If you look at the bench at those moments and the players are still not happy, it doesn’t matter who you are."
He finished with a stark warning about the mental side of the job:
"It doesn’t matter if it’s awkward coming into games like that. The players need to channel it. Come on thinking ‘I am going to run for that mother f***er and show him’ - that’s where the psychology of football comes in when you’re a danger. He’s in a dangerous position if he gets it wrong."
Arsenal’s Pre-Season Form
Arsenal have started preparing for the new season in strong fashion, beginning their pre-season with a convincing 4-1 win over Girona. The squad now focuses on fitness and tactical adjustments before facing Real Betis in Dublin on August 5. Following that, they host Borussia Dortmund and Como at the Emirates Stadium.
