This weekend, coach Mikel Arteta will celebrate his sixth year leading Arsenal, right on the Premier League leaders' away trip to Everton. At the age of 43, the Spanish coach has created a profound cultural change at Emirates Stadium.
From a team that was only in the top 4 before, Arsenal have gradually become a championship candidate in many recent seasons. However, with his current contract expiring in the summer of 2027, Arteta's future continues to be a topic of interest.
When asked if he could stay at Arsenal after the remaining 18 months of his contract, Arteta said frankly: Yes, but that is today and there is more to say in the coming months to ensure I am worthy of staying. I think a coach must always earn the right to stay tomorrow. That's how you react. The way you talk here, the way you enter the dressing room, the message you send, and the level of the players following you.
Arteta emphasized the role of the players in his journey at Arsenal: I always say that I need support. I said that before, from the owners and the board, it was great. But in the end, the most important thing is the players. You have to open the door, face them and always talk to them.
In addition to Arteta, Arsenal also face the uncertain future of their players. For example, Bukayo Saka has only 18 months left on his contract. The Spanish coach shared: "They asked me but I couldn't lie to them. I don't know, because the future doesn't depend entirely on me."
After winning the FA Cup just six months after taking over at Arsenal in the winter of 2019, Arteta has yet to reach the Premier League title, despite the team finishing second for three consecutive seasons. When talking about what is missing, he admitted: Thats right, and we are very close to the title.
With the points, with what we have done, it shows stability. We want to achieve higher goals. If we can do that, I believe we are on the right path to victory.
