A fuming Mikel Arteta has been quizzed over his future and dedication to Arsenal following sensational reviews in Spain he may very well be Barcelona-bound.
Xavi introduced over the weekend he shall be stepping down on the finish of the 2023/24 marketing campaign on the Nou Camp. The Barca legend, who received the La Liga title final season, has endured a very powerful begin to the 12 months – crashing out of the Copa del Rey final week, dropping the Supercopa de Espana last to Real Madrid, and dropping 5-3 at dwelling to Villarreal on Saturday.
With Barcelona now in want of changing the membership icon, academy product Arteta is a goal to return to Catalonia in the summertime. The 41-year-old’s contract runs till 2025, that means his long-term future stays unsure.
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When confronted by the media forward of the Gunners’ Premier League journey to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night time, Arteta mentioned: “Totally fake news. I don’t know where it is coming from. It is totally untrue.
“I’m actually upset about it. I couldn’t consider it. No supply, nothing. You need to be cautious whenever you discuss private issues.”
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(Image: Arsenal FC through Getty Images)
Asked why he was notably indignant concerning the claims from Spain, Arteta added: “One is a consequence of the other. First of all I’m really cautious when I talk publicly about my personal things. When someone puts a statement about what we’ve done personally.
“Secondly as a result of I don’t suppose somebody deserves to listen to information like that. I’ve all the time mentioned fully the other. That’s why I really feel upset.”
With his contract expiring in 18 months’ time, the Arsenal boss insisted: “I’ve acquired a robust relationship with the board. Things are available a pure approach. We’ve all the time finished it that approach and we’ve finished it rather well.” Arteta has been on the helm since 2019 – his solely job in administration to this point since leaving Manchester City the place he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant – and it seems he is going nowhere quickly.
(Image: Getty)
(Image: Getty Images)
He continues to be preventing to win a primary ever Premier League title as a supervisor, and Arsenal are into the knockout phases of the Champions League with Porto awaiting them subsequent month within the spherical of 16. He added: “There is a lot to do here as well. You can feel it that we want more we’re not satisfied.”
While the Barcelona job has been dominated out, Arteta did not go so far as to disclaim he’d ever tackle one other job in English soccer, days after Jurgen Klopp made clear he’d by no means handle a distinct Premier League staff to Liverpool. Arteta mentioned: “Today, no. (But) I don’t know. I played for two great clubs in this country. I’m extremely young and I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
(Image: Getty Images)
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Xavi, in the meantime, introduced on Saturday night he shall be leaving his publish at Barcelona on the finish on the season. He mentioned: “We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change. As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.
“This membership wants a change of dynamic. Leaving Barça is the very best determination attainable for all events concerned. I’m probably the most accountable one, so the gamers will lastly be happy now… at the least with this determination you [the press] received’t kill me anymore. The membership will enhance with this determination.”