Arsenal fans aren’t too happy with Granit Xhaka following his comments ahead of their Europa League tie against Benfica today.
At the best of times, the 28-year-old is a marmite-like figure with the Arsenal fans and it seems as though many haven’t taken too kindly to his comments about staying at the club.
Xhaka stated, as posted by Football London: “The coach is helping me a lot. Everyone knows he is one of the reasons why I’m still at this club.
“I have a very good relationship with him and he’s helping me day by day, on the pitch, outside the pitch and I’m very thankful for him because if you have one coach who gives you the confidence and freedom it’s more easy for the player.”
It’s well-documented that Xhaka would have been out of the door if it wasn’t for Arteta because that’s where the midfielder was heading after that infamous moment against Crystal Palace.
It seemed as though that was the final straw for the £35 million player (BBC Sport), but Arteta put faith in him, and fast forward to today, and he is a first-team regular.
But a number of Arsenal fans made it clear that they would like to part ways with their 2016 signing, as they have taken his comments in the wrong manner.
This is actually one of Xhaka’s better seasons, but because of past performances and the fact that he still has problem moments – like he did against Burnley – it doesn’t help his cause as a whole.
One thing is for sure, if Arsenal wins today and progress through to the next round of the knockout stages of the Europa League then all will be rosy in the North London garden.
But if they are knocked out then it’s not Xhaka who is going to feel the force of the fans, but the manager.
Nonetheless, here is a selection of Arsenal fans reacting to Xhaka’s comments:
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