Xhaka: I’ve had many coaches in my career, but never one like Arteta

Arsenal are riding a wave of euphoria this season, which is currently dominating the Premier League. Granit Xhaka has been an integral part of this success so far, having missed just one single league game. In an interview with Swiss news site 20 min, he praised coach Mikel Arteta in particular.

Xhaka not only fills the role of a central midfielder with a full defensive role, but he is also helpful up front, having already scored 3 league goals and added 5 assists. Moreover, he has only picked up 3 yellow cards so far, which is a very good card for him and for his position.

But according to him, this success is mostly due to the Spanish coach, for whom the engagement with Arsenal is his first experience as a head coach. But Friday’s FA Cup match against Manchester City will be his 158th match.

But it has not always been a good one, Xhaka recalled last season in which Arsenal started the league season with three defeats. But in the end, the Gunners finished the season in 5th place, just two points behind Tottenham.

“Last season we lost our first three games and some people ran out of patience. But now you can see what can happen if you give the coach time. After all, this is his first ever engagement as head coach. He is exceptional,” Xhaka said about his coach in an interview with 20 min.

Xhaka came to Arsenal back in the summer of 2016, when he transferred to London for 45 million euros from Monchengladbach, around the time Tomas Rosicky was returning to Sparta. Back then, Arsène Wenger still held the reins of the team firmly.

“I have had many coaches in my career, but never one like Arteta. It seems to me as if he concentrates only on football 24 hours a day. He always has a plan A, B and maybe even a plan Z. But he is great not only tactically but also as a person,” the Swiss midfielder concluded the interview.

Several men have tried to restore Arsenal to its former glory, but none have been as successful as Arteta.

But we certainly can’t talk about Arsenal having the Premier League title in their pocket, even though they reached a record 50 points at the halfway point of the season.

Just 5 points behind them is Manchester City, who have won 4 of the last 5 seasons and that experience will play in their favour over time. Moreover, coach Pep Guardiola has much more quality in the wider squad at his disposal. This could also play a part.

However, Arsenal are riding a wave of euphoria and if they continue these performances, the fans of the London outfit will see a league title after almost 20 years (2003/04).

Source: 20 min, Arsenal