Mikel Merino has made a strong start of his arsenal career despite the Topsy-Turvy form of the club, and the midfielder-cum striker has credited Gunners boss Mikel Arteta for his success
Mikel Merino has been full of admiration for Mikel Arteta and describes him as a truly unique manager. Since the switch from Real Sociedad to Arsenal last summer, the 28-year-old has emerged as the Gunners' Go-To Utility Player, seamlessly filling over the midfield and even acting as a striker during a season plagued by injuries.
It is also delivered for the goal and scores four times in his last seven Premier League matches – a count that would earn respect from many natural attackers. But for Merino it is not only the tactical courage of Arteta that impresses – it is his holistic approach to coaching, on and next to the field.
The Spain International said to ABC Futbol: “I learn a lot with him. Here I have done things that I have never worked on in my career, who help me understand a different way to see football.”
“Arteta is a very complete coach. He got the best of Guardiola: he wants to dominate, control the game, subject opponents and limit their attack.
“Then he has his own method for training and approaching competitions, which makes great coaches. They take the best everywhere, adjust it and convey it to their players. He is one of the best coaches in the world.”
Arsenal now looks for a third consecutive second place in the Premier League under Arteta. With seven more games and an 11-point gap behind leaders Liverpool, time is running out for a dramatic title push.
Nevertheless, Merino believes that Arteta has taught a title -winning mindset in the club – one that sets silverware in the core of everything they do. “It is the first time that I am in an environment where titles are pursued, and that is openly discussed,” he said.
“It speaks volumes about the mentality of the club. Arsenal is not a team that is built to come second; that is not acceptable here. The mentality is about winning titles, and we have to use that question and frustration by not doing this as fuel. The more we will get, the closer we will get this year.”
Arsenal also lives in their search for a Maiden Champions League triumph, but the road is anything but smooth. First: a quarter -final meeting with a high bet with Real Madrid, with the first stage that unfolds on Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium.
If they go beyond the Spanish giants, a likely semi -final battle with PSG – who recently surpassed Liverpool over two legs – could follow. Furthermore, a potential final against powerhouse clubs such as Barcelona or Bayern Munich awaits.
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