“Arteta hasn’t coached a big club before, and that is why he keeps dropping this guy to the bench in every game, i hope he tries it against Chelsea when we meet”- Chelsea Boss Mauricio Pochettino calls Arteta a ‘Baby coach’ from dropping €60M star in their ‘lucky win’ against Wolves last weekend
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has taken a swipe at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, labeling him a “baby coach” for his handling of a €60 million star player during their recent match against Wolves. Pochettino’s remarks come amidst a backdrop of growing tension between the two clubs, adding fuel to the fire ahead of their upcoming clash.
The player in question, whose identity remains undisclosed, has found himself frequently relegated to the bench by Arteta, prompting criticism from the Chelsea camp. Pochettino expressed his frustration with Arteta’s decision, suggesting that the Arsenal manager lacks the experience and tactical acumen to properly utilize such a valuable asset.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal player Paul Merson has weighed in on the debate, urging Arteta to deploy Kai Havertz as a central striker. Despite being primarily utilized in midfield by Arteta, Havertz’s versatility allows him to excel in various positions across the pitch. Merson believes that Havertz’s intelligent movement and goal-scoring ability make him an ideal candidate to lead Arsenal’s attacking line.
Havertz’s potential transition to a more advanced role comes at a time when Arsenal is facing challenges in finding a reliable goal-scoring option. While Gabriel Jesus has been Arteta’s preferred choice up front, his inconsistency and injury woes have raised doubts about his suitability for the role. With Havertz showcasing his goal-scoring prowess in recent matches, Merson advocates for his inclusion as Arsenal’s primary striker.
The debate surrounding Havertz’s role at Arsenal is further fueled by speculation linking the club with a move for a new striker in the upcoming transfer windows. Names such as Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen have been mentioned as potential targets, indicating Arteta’s desire to bolster his attacking options. However, Arteta remains steadfast in his belief in the current squad, emphasizing the need to work with the players at his disposal.
As tensions simmer between Arsenal and Chelsea, the spotlight remains firmly on Arteta and his handling of the team’s tactical and personnel decisions. With Havertz’s role at the forefront of discussions, Arsenal fans eagerly await to see whether Arteta will heed the advice of pundits and make tactical adjustments to address their goal-scoring concerns.