Former Arsenal luminary Patrick Vieira recently expressed his concerns about Mikel Arteta’s management of key players, particularly emphasizing Arteta’s handling of Bukayo Saka in the recent 2-1 defeat against Lens in the Champions League. Vieira suggested that Arteta should learn from esteemed managers such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti in managing prominent players within the team.
Saka, a pivotal 22-year-old player, has been a consistent presence in Arsenal’s frontline for the past three seasons, showcasing his indispensability to the team. Having not missed a single Premier League match since May 2021 and amassing over 140 appearances for the club in various competitions since his debut in 2018, Saka has proven to be a vital asset for Arteta.
The young England international has consistently delivered goals and assists, solidifying his significance to Arteta’s strategies. Notably, his recent assist to Gabriel Jesus marked a milestone as the first player this season to achieve five goals and five assists in all competitions for a team within Europe’s top five leagues.
Patrick Vieira’s critique reflects concerns regarding Arteta’s strategic choices, specifically in relation to handling Saka, whose absence could significantly impact the team’s performance. This raises questions about Arteta’s ability to manage key players effectively, especially in high-stake matches like the defeat against Lens.
Vieira’s comparison to renowned managers like Guardiola and Ancelotti underscores the suggestion that Arteta could benefit from learning and adapting their successful strategies in managing prominent players. The implication is that adopting similar managerial approaches may enhance Arteta’s effectiveness in managing crucial figures within Arsenal’s squad, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the team.
