Richard Keys has branded Mikel Arteta’s actions on the touchline for Arsenal as ‘dangerous’ and ‘annoying’.
The beIN Sports presenter added that, ahead of the new Premier League season, Mikel Arteta needs to ’behave a little better’ by ‘staying within your own technical area’, as he wrote on his own website.
Last season, Keys was openly critical of Arsenal for ‘over celebrating’ winning goals, as well as his disapproval of how the £158k-a-week man (GiveMeSport) acted on the touchline.
Well, ahead of the new Premier League season, the powers that be are going to be much tougher on managers moving out of their technical area or screaming their disapproval at something.
During Arsneal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City, Arteta was booked by the on-field referee, which is probably a sign of things to come for him.
That was touched upon by Keys, who was also perplexed by Arteta’s recent admission about how he felt after missing out on the Premier League title last term.
“I hope Arteta behaves a little better as well,” said Keys. “Although, his emotional tale last week about nearly quitting after failing to win the title was worrying. Why? What’s the point of telling us that? It sounded weak.
“His behaviour in the technical area is annoying – and dangerous. The area is marked as it is for a reason. Jump up and down as much as you like within it.
“Let the world know you don’t trust your players to do the right things by waving your arms about like a broken windmill all game.
“But stay within your own technical area – not on the touchline, not on the halfway line and definitely not in front of the opposition area. ‘Stay calm – and carry on’.”
Stay within your technical area – it’s simple
You can’t take the passion out of the game and if a manager, member of the coaching staff, or even a player, wants to express themselves on the sidelines, then let them be.
It’s probably a case of trying to contain it all within one small box.
And with Arteta getting booked at Wembley yesterday, you can probably bet your bottom dollar that it will happen a fair few times this season.
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