JUST IN 🚨“I’ve always been of the opinion that if you’re a good player, then you know that stuff anyway. If I felt I needed to drift out to the right wing or the left wing or even drop deep, I would do it myself. And as a captain, I felt I had the authority to tell my fellow players to do something. If it needed saying, I would say it.”-Alan Shearer makes it clear he couldn’t have worked under Mikel Arteta

Former Newcastle and England football star turned pundit, Alan Shearer, recently expressed strong disapproval of playing under a manager like Mikel Arteta, stating he would “hate” it. Shearer’s remarks shed light on his reservations regarding Arteta’s managerial approach, which he finds overly directive and intrusive. Shearer emphasized his belief in players’ autonomy on the field, asserting that a good player should instinctively know their role and responsibilities without constant instruction from the sidelines.

In an article for The Athletic, Shearer articulated his preference for a manager who provides guidance rather than micromanagement. He acknowledged the varying needs and abilities of players, suggesting that while some may thrive under strict instructions, others, like himself, prefer a more hands-off approach.

Despite Shearer’s criticism, some argue that he may be misinterpreting Arteta’s passionate sideline demeanor as excessive interference. They posit that Arteta’s animated style reflects his commitment and intensity rather than overbearing control. Moreover, they point to Arteta’s positive impact on Arsenal since taking over as manager, highlighting the team’s improved performance and cohesion under his leadership.

While acknowledging that Arteta’s style may not appeal to everyone, supporters of the Arsenal manager commend his transformative influence on the team. They view Shearer’s criticism as unjustified and suggest that it overlooks Arteta’s contributions to Arsenal’s recent successes. Ultimately, opinions on Arteta’s managerial approach vary, but many agree that his methods have been effective in elevating Arsenal’s performance and competitiveness.