Peter Schmeichel has launched a scathing attack on Mikel Arteta, claiming the Arsenal boss's 'control freak' approach may be making the team worse. The former Manchester United goalkeeper criticised Arteta's hands-on style during a ViaPlay appearance, suggesting it confuses players and hinders their development.
“Arteta is a control freak, he wants his players to play the ball that he wants,” Schmeichel said. “He’s directing everything. You look across to Arne Slot who’s so calm. He’s instructed his players in training, instructed the players in the team talk. Arteta is still playing the game for the players and that would confuse the hell out of me as a football player.”
Schmeichel noted that Arteta has failed to win a trophy since inheriting the team, despite coming close in recent seasons. “He inherited the team and that team is the only team that he has won a trophy with. Then it’s his own team and then in the process, he’s now changed the job description so he’s now the manager. Everything is on him.”
Jamie Carragher also weighed in, observing a change in Arteta’s demeanour. The Sky Sports pundit said Arteta is becoming emotional in press conferences, sounding “a little bit like a fan, not the manager.” Carragher suggested Arteta is making excuses for the club’s trophyless season, pointing to red cards and injuries. “I think deep down he thinks they could have won the league without this and that,” Carragher added.
Both pundits agreed that Arteta’s methods and perceived excuses are undermining Arsenal’s progress, with the club set to end another season without silverware.
