Arsenal assistant coach Albert Stuivenberg will take control of training sessions in Mikel Arteta’s absence after the Gunners manager tested positive for Covid-19.
As reported by the Sun, the Dutch coach was in charge of the Arsenal first-team at London Colney and will likely lead the north London side on New Year’s Day in their Premier League clash against Manchester City.
Arteta will miss the game, meaning Stuivenberg will manage Arsenal for the first time from the touchline. The 51-year-old joined the Gunners in 2019 following the appointment of the former Manchester City coach.
Commonly referred to by fans as ‘AirPod Albert’ due to his appearance of always having headphones on the sideline, Stuivenberg has been an important part of Arsenal’s backroom staff since joining.
A former coach for the likes of Manchester United and the Wales national team, Stuivenberg has worked with some of the biggest names in football, with the Dutchman also having a spell as manager of Belgian side Genk.
Indeed, City will be a massive test for Arsenal and could well be the first game the Gunners lose at home since August, yet fans on social media are confident that Stuivenberg can lead the north London side to victory.
It has been some time since Arsenal have even won a point against City, in the Premier League let alone won. However, fans have confidence in Stuivenberg over getting a shock result at the Emirates to kick-off 2022.
Arsenal fans react as Stuivenberg leads training
Stuivenberg will have his work cut out for him on Saturday. Yet on social media, fans are excited to see the former Netherlands youth coach take charge of Arsenal training.
Here’s what some Arsenal fans had to say about Stuivenberg stepping up in Arteta’s absence on Twitter…
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