Ex-Nigerian footballer, Mikel Obi
Former Nigerian footballer Mikel Obi has criticized Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta over his performance since taking charge of the team in 2019.
He explained that the Spanish coach has significantly improved the Arsenal squad and their style of play to an appreciable level; but more work needs to be done.
“Has he done well for Arsenal? Yes. Has he improved Arsenal? Yes. Mikel Arteta has improved Arsenal from where they were before he took over. He’s massively improved the squad, the team, the way they play, and the way the fans want to see an Arsenal team play,” he said while speaking on The Obi One Podcast.
However, the former Chelsea midfielder asserted that even though the Gunners are playing well, their performance under Arteta will not be enough for the team to win huge titles like the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
The former Nigerian Olympics squad captain stated that it is high time the Arsenal hierarchy reconsidered the coaching options if they wanted to win titles instead of being contenders.
“Now, is he the guy to take Arsenal to the next level, which is winning the Premier League or the Champions League? I don’t see that, because it’s not about competing. They should be talking about winning the League, not competing to win the League.
“When was the last time Arsenal won the League? It was in 2004, and it’s been 21 years since they won it. You cannot be talking about competing now. The Arsenal fans keep talking about competing, but they should be talking about winning it,” he added.
Arteta has come under scrutiny after losing ground to Liverpool in the 2024/2025 Premier League title race, trailing the Reds by 15 points with a game in hand.
The coach joined Arsenal in December 2019, and has won only the FA Cup in 2020.
Watch Mikel Obi’s remarks in the video below:
Meanwhile watch as Ghanaians debate the appointment of Jordan Ayew as Black Stars captain below
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