Man United legend slams Mikel Arteta as 'control freak'

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has expressed concern about Mikel Arteta’s coaching methods at Arsenal, suggesting that the Spanish manager’s ‘control freak’ tendencies could be hindering the team’s progress.

Despite leading Arsenal to the FA Cup in his debut season, Arteta has failed to secure any further trophies, with the team narrowly missing out on major honours in recent seasons.

Schmeichel believes that Arteta’s approach, where he exerts significant control over the team’s strategy and player decisions, might be limiting the team’s potential.

“Whenever they [fans] get the opportunity today, watch him in the technical area,” Schmeichel said.

“Arteta is a control freak, he wants his players to play the ball that he wants. He’s directing everything.”

According to Schmeichel, Arteta’s desire for control is evident during matches, where he closely directs players and dictates their actions on the pitch.

Mikel Arteta & some Arsenal players after a defeat

While Arsenal have shown promise under Arteta, including pushing top teams like Liverpool and Manchester City and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, Schmeichel’s critique raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Arteta’s methods.

With fans growing increasingly restless, the pressure is on Arteta to deliver results and prove his coaching philosophy can lead to sustained success.

Arteta’s approach has divided opinions, with some praising his tactical acumen and others questioning whether his micromanagement stifles player creativity.