Arteta names the most 'painful' part of being Arsenal boss and recalls turning point with fans
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the most 'painful' part of being a manager and recalls the moment he knew the fans were on his side.
The Gunners have been in exceptional form this season, winning 11 of their 13 Premier League appearances so far with their only loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
These results mean they top the Premier League table and are two points clear of defending champions Manchester City, as they also cruised through their Europa League group as winners .
There were doubts whether Arteta would be successful after narrowly missing out on the top four last season against rivals Tottenham.
But the Spaniard - who is in his first managerial role - came back strong this season with a victory at Wolves on Saturday, guaranteeing Arsenal top spot on Christmas Day.
Arteta worked as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but he was unprepared for the 'painful' task of eliminating players from the starting XI.
The Arsenal boss told Sky Sports: "You tell them you're not capable of doing your job. I'm taking [away] the best part of the week, which is the weekend or the midweek game. It's painful. The way I learned my craft and the way I was as a player, I think it's best to tell them clearly and give them the reasons."
In his 109th game as Arsenal boss - a 3-1 victory over rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium - Arteta could feel the fans buying into the project.
Arteta added: "I watch it and I get goosebumps. That feeling because watching the stadium, it's completely different. I've said it many times, the support we have, the connection and unity that we have at the club and what these people who are right behind the team have done for the club, it's amazing.
"We couldn't do without them. I'm sure of it. The team made it a very special day for them and a great day to spend with them for sure."
Arteta continued, "It's taken decisions and fights and times where you have doubts about yourself and whether it's going to work.
"You're playing Norwich at home and you're like, 'Well, we have to get rid of this one after losing three' - you're under pressure and you have to hold on.
"I have a lot of people, increasingly from other sports, that I can call on at this time."
READ MORE: Big weekend: Newcastle v Chelsea, World Cup stars, Everton, new Saints boss, Lancs derby
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the most 'painful' part of being a manager and recalls the moment he knew the fans were on his side.
The Gunners have been in exceptional form this season, winning 11 of their 13 Premier League appearances so far with their only loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
These results mean they top the Premier League table and are two points clear of defending champions Manchester City, as they also cruised through their Europa League group as winners .
There were doubts whether Arteta would be successful after narrowly missing out on the top four last season against rivals Tottenham.
But the Spaniard - who is in his first managerial role - came back strong this season with a victory at Wolves on Saturday, guaranteeing Arsenal top spot on Christmas Day.
Arteta worked as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but he was unprepared for the 'painful' task of eliminating players from the starting XI.
The Arsenal boss told Sky Sports: "You tell them you're not capable of doing your job. I'm taking [away] the best part of the week, which is the weekend or the midweek game. It's painful. The way I learned my craft and the way I was as a player, I think it's best to tell them clearly and give them the reasons."
In his 109th game as Arsenal boss - a 3-1 victory over rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium - Arteta could feel the fans buying into the project.
Arteta added: "I watch it and I get goosebumps. That feeling because watching the stadium, it's completely different. I've said it many times, the support we have, the connection and unity that we have at the club and what these people who are right behind the team have done for the club, it's amazing.
"We couldn't do without them. I'm sure of it. The team made it a very special day for them and a great day to spend with them for sure."
Arteta continued, "It's taken decisions and fights and times where you have doubts about yourself and whether it's going to work.
"You're playing Norwich at home and you're like, 'Well, we have to get rid of this one after losing three' - you're under pressure and you have to hold on.
"I have a lot of people, increasingly from other sports, that I can call on at this time."
READ MORE: Big weekend: Newcastle v Chelsea, World Cup stars, Everton, new Saints boss, Lancs derby
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