Arsenal: Arteta talks Super League, Kroenke apology & protests

Mikel Arteta has criticised the plot involving Arsenal to breakaway and launch a Super League, one that has been challenging for him and his players and resulted in an apology to him from the club.

The football world joined together in outrage after the news broke last on Sunday night that 12 European clubs, including the Premier League ‘big six’ were breaking off to form their own league in direct response to the Champions League.

A coup was staged that would see the participating members granted freedom from relegation and would be assured substantial cash gains each year regardless of sporting merit.

Fans, footballing bodies and rival clubs alike joined in unison to oppose the monstrous division, one that came and went before Arsenal had even kicked a ball. Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Everton, Arteta for the first time addressed the media to express his views.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta criticises Super League & reveals Kroenke apology

Speaking in the most ‘impressive’ way since taking the job, as per Mark Mann-Bryans, he criticsed the idea briefly but insisted that the fans come first in every outcome.

"“It’s been a rollercoaster. More things have happened in the last 18 months than the past 20 years,” he said during his pre-match press conference. “It’s been a really challenging week for everyone in world football. We have to learn from it.“It shows that the soul of this sport belongs to the fans and that’s it. When the fans have to come out and talk, they’ve done it really loud and clear and they sent probably the strongest message that has ever been sent in the football world."

His most critical line was:

"“I don’t understand the concept yet and how that concept allows other participants to join and what the merit is behind it. I think the competition and the ability to participate has to be earned on the pitch. I will always believe and defend that.”“We put it out and within 24 hours they killed the project. That’s a massive statement in the history of football.”"

Arteta also revealed that he was issued an apology by the Kroenke’s and Vinai Venkatesham in the wake of the club pulling out.

"The Kroenke family told him: “Apologies for disturbing the team, we did it without the capacity to communicate in a different way earlier and pass on my message to the players.”"

Very measured, but outwardly critical, Arteta did not shirk a single question on the ESL. As the aforementioned journalist put it, that was as good as fans could have asked for. Besides, more will come in the Fans’ Forum with Josh Kroenke.

And, perhaps best of all, his response to the protest scheduled for Friday before kick-off was very impressive:

"“The fans have to express – it’s their right & they have to do it freely. Its time to leave them space to express themselves & now somehow we have to get them closer to us, believing in what we do.”"

Hats off to him.