Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has emphasized the responsibility of Premier League bosses to enhance the quality of the game. He believes it is essential to work together to reduce mistakes made by match officials, as these errors often lead to managerial sackings. Arteta’s comments come after he was charged by the Football Association (FA) for post-match remarks following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on November 4. However, an independent commission recently cleared him of any wrongdoing, attributing his comments to broader frustrations with the application of VAR rather than personal attacks on individual officials.
Arsenal demonstrated their support for Arteta by hiring a criminal defense lawyer to assist him during the proceedings. The Spanish manager then requested a personal hearing, where he successfully argued that his comments were aimed at the frustrating implementation of VAR. The independent commission’s written reasons also revealed that Arteta had participated in a meeting with the referees’ body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), representatives of the Premier League, and the Premier League Managers on November 2 to discuss VAR. This collective effort further strengthens the argument for continuous improvement and collaboration within the football community.
After the FA charge against him was dismissed, Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the overall process. He acknowledged that both he and the FA had the opportunity to express their feelings and reasons behind the incident. Though he was not charged, Arteta emphasized the importance of drawing a line and focusing on ways to be more constructive, learn from the situation, and progress. He commended the process and expressed that he felt a sense of sympathy, as he had previously highlighted the pressure managers face and the significance of fine details in their job.
Arteta highlighted the record number of 14 Premier League managers who lost their jobs last season, surpassing the combined total from the first seven seasons of the Premier League. This statistic underscores the precariousness of managerial positions and the impact that results have on their careers. The Arsenal manager’s passion for his profession is evident as he expressed his deep love for what he does and his desire to continue in this role. He explained how managers become deeply affected by crucial outcomes, and their emotions are heightened due to the job’s importance. Arteta emphasized that the pressure managers face is often forgotten by the public, who only remember recent losses without considering the underlying reasons.
When asked about the willingness of PGMOL to make improvements, Arteta shifted the focus onto the collective responsibility shared by everyone involved in the game. He emphasized that the aim was not for each party to pursue their individual agendas, but rather to work together for the betterment of the sport. Arteta believes that improvements should encompass various aspects, including touchline management, the perspective of players and officials, advancements in technology, and the support provided by clubs. He reiterated that all stakeholders are united in their pursuit of progress and that collaboration is crucial to achieving this goal.
Mikel Arteta’s recent experience with the FA charge has prompted him to emphasize the need for improved game management and a reduction in mistakes made by match officials. He called on Premier League bosses and all those involved in the sport to work collectively towards this objective. Understanding the pressures faced by managers and the emotional nature of their profession, Arteta hopes to create a more constructive environment that facilitates learning and growth. By drawing a line and focusing on collaboration, the footballing community can strive for continuous improvement and ensure a better experience for all stakeholders in the sport.
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