Rio Ferdinand warned Arsenal supporters calling for Mikel Arteta‘s dismissive of ‘be careful what you wish for’ and believes the Gunners would struggle to recruit an elite-level manager in the same summer as Manchester United.
Arsenal are currently six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League ahead of their match at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday as they have reached the Champions League semi-finals where they will meet Atletico Madrid.
However, Arteta has faced calls to be sacked if he ends the season without a trophy, with some supporters worried about the side’s style of play in the second half of the season.
Ferdinand believes Arsenal would be wrong to sack Arteta and feels the club could struggle to compete with Manchester United, who could look beyond Michael Carrick and appoint a new manager this summer.
“I would be careful what you would want if I were an Arsenal fan, if you think getting rid of Arteta is the best thing you can do,” Ferdinand said. YouTube channel.
“You have to remember where you were when he came in. You guys constantly qualify for Champions Leagueyou weren’t before Arteta came. You’re finishing second most of the time, fighting for it Premier League year after year.
“You have to cross the line, I know, but you think the grass is greener there with another manager? Who’s the other manager?
‘He (Luis Enrique) does not come to Arsenal. He’s leaving the best team in the world to join Arsenal – are you crazy?
“Every manager except Thierry HenryPatrick Vieira or Cesc Fabregas would go to Man United over Arsenal.
“He (Fabregas) doesn’t guarantee you anything, he hasn’t won anything, as talented as he is.
“I’m just saying, it’s not like you go to Arteta and say, ‘we have a security’. Pep is your only security and he’s not going to Arsenal.’
Ferdinand also hit back at criticism of Martin Zubimendi’s recent performances for Arsenal and believes Arteta’s biggest problem is his lack of creativity in attack.
“I’ve seen it, I’ve seen it loud and clear”, answered Ferdinand when asked about the criticism directed at Zubimendi.
“They say he was a liability, he was only bought because of a good performance in the Euro final, he is the weak link.
“Yeah, he might be at fault for a goal or something, he’s given the ball away a few times or made mistakes when the ball has been played directly by a keeper in that holding role, but I wouldn’t say it’s down to him.
“I think Arsenal’s biggest problem is their lack of attacking ability, their willingness to get off the cuff and get on with it. That for me, I would worry about that as an Arsenal fan.’
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