In London, Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, expressed his frustration on Monday regarding reports that suggested he would leave to take over at Barcelona. This follows Barca coach Xavi’s announcement that he plans to quit at the end of the season.
The rumors linking Arteta to Barcelona surfaced on Sunday, a day after Xavi revealed his decision to step down, citing the need for a change at the club.
Addressing reporters on the eve of Tuesday’s Premier League game at Nottingham Forest, Arteta stated, “What you read yesterday … it’s totally untrue. I’m really upset about it. I could not believe it. I don’t know where it’s coming from. It’s got no source, it’s got nothing. And I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things.”
He further added, “There is a lot to do (at Arsenal) and we all share that ambition. We want more, we aren’t satisfied and the club wants another push to go to another level. We have everyone on board to achieve it.”
Arteta also expressed his hope of having midfielder Declan Rice and defender Gabriel Magalhaes back in the squad following their injuries in Saturday’s game. “We had some issues at the end of the last game so we will assess those players,” he said. “Rice is one of those players. He has done some work but he has missed some work as well. Hopefully he will be ok. Gabriel is another one.”
Arsenal, who were top in December, have slipped to third on 43 points, five behind leaders Liverpool. Forest, who have won two of their last three league matches, are in 16th place.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
