“We See The Game The Same Way” – Arteta On Albert Stuivenberg Taking Charge vs Man City

Mikel Arteta has complete faith in Albert Stuivenberg as he takes charge vs Man City…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta clarified that he has complete faith in assistant Albert Stuivenberg as the Dutchman takes charge of the Premier League clash against Manchester City with the boss absent due to Covid-19.

Stuivenberg is an experienced coach and had a hand in management during a short stint at Belgian side Genk, though the bulk of the 51-year-old’s good work has come as part of a coaching set-up.

The former Manchester United assistant was Arteta’s first appointment when he returned to Arsenal in 2019, a role that many outsiders were keenly observing given the Spaniard’s inexperience as a head coach.

Stuivenberg initially juggled the role of Arteta’s assistant with his other commitment at Wales in a similar capacity – he’s since become a full-time Arsenal coach following the culmination of last summer’s Euros.

Arteta now has to rely on Stuivenberg’s in-game experience as well as his connection with the players, but the 39-year-old is relaxed about Saturday’s unique affair.

“He’s a coach that I knew before because of his reputation and who he’s been working under before,” Arteta told the press ahead of the visit of the champions (via HayersTV).

“We had a really good connection, we have the same beliefs and we see the game in the same way. We share all of the values that have to be installed at the club.

“He’s more than capable, he’s done it before so on that sense, I’m very relaxed about it.”

While what happens during the 90 minutes will be down to Stuivenberg’s nous and experience, one would imagine that the starting XI has already been decided by Arteta.

We’ve had some stability in that department in recent weeks which is rather impressive given the Covid environment we’re in as well as the intense winter schedule.

However, Arteta does seem to like springing a surprise when facing his former boss.