Arteta Insists Speaking Up Against Unjust Officiating is Key to Having Better Games

In light of the controversial calls that are slowly becoming a norm in the English Premier League, Arsenal’s boss Mikel Arteta, believes ‘freedom of speech’ for all stakeholders is key to improvement.

Arteta shared this thought today during his pre-Brentford presser with Arsenal’s Media.

Speaking on whether managers are being put in an unfair position for sharing their thoughts on officials, the Spaniard said: “I think it’s good that we are communicating.

“We want to improve the game, all of us, referees, managers, officials, owners, sporting directors, you guys, we all want a better game, that’s it.

“To have a better game we have to have freedom of speech, respectfully, in a constructive way, but we have to promote that. If not, you don’t get better.

“That’s for sure. It’s good that they are talking in front of the media and explaining the situation because it brings clarity.”

The 41-year-old also torched light on his convictions, and how he must be honest, straightforward and critical, despite the all-time positivity expected from him.

“You have to be yourself. As a leader, you have to be authentic,” Arteta said.

He continued: “You cannot be someone you are not and this is who I am here, when I’m on the pitch, when I’m there, and I want to think that we have to talk to make things better.

“We have meetings and I talk in a really straightforward way two days before about certain opinions that I had in the face.

“When I have to talk about myself and be critical about myself, I’m the first one to do it. I want to be very positive and that’s what people expect. At the end, we have a role with a lot of responsibility and we have to stand for our actions and the way we are.”

It’ll be Arteta’s 200th game in charge of the Gunners when he faces Frank Thomas-led Brentford on Saturday, as he’ll be looking to consolidate his record of 115 wins, 34 draws and 50 losses since taking over at the Emirates Stadium back in December 2019.