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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has launched a scathing attack on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, labelling him a “control freak” as pressure mounts on the Spaniard following another season without silverware.
The Gunners’ wait for a major trophy will extend into a sixth season after a campaign that promised much but ultimately delivered disappointment. Arsenal fell short in the Premier League title race, with Liverpool already crowned champions, and suffered a painful Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. A domestic cup run was also cut short by Manchester United in the FA Cup.
Amid growing frustration from fans, questions are now being asked about Arteta’s long-term future. The former Manchester City assistant has been in charge since December 2019 and won the FA Cup in his first season. However, he has yet to add another trophy to the club’s cabinet.
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Speaking on ViaPlay, Schmeichel did not hold back in his assessment of Arteta’s leadership style and its impact on the team.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel (Image credit: Getty Images)“It’s all on Arteta, all,” the Danish legend said. “He was employed as head coach. He inherited the team and that team is the only one he’s won a trophy with. Since then, it’s become his team, and now he’s changed the job description to ‘manager.’ Everything is on him—it’s not recruitment, it’s not the board.”
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Schmeichel criticised Arteta’s behaviour on the touchline, claiming it creates confusion for the players.
“Watch him in the technical area—Arteta is a control freak. He wants his players to play exactly the ball he wants. He’s directing everything. You look across at Arne Slot, who’s so calm. He instructs his players in training and during the team talk, but during the game, he lets them play. Arteta is still playing the game for his players, and that would confuse the hell out of me as a player. It would make me worse.”
As the pressure builds, Arsenal are expected to back Arteta in the transfer market this summer in hopes of ending the club’s silverware drought. Arteta’s future may hinge on his ability to turn potential into trophies next season—with growing calls for results to match the ambition.
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