A Barcelona legend, Gary Lineker, has accused Mikel Arteta of adopting a strategy famously used by Alex Ferguson in a bid to win the Premier League title.
Lineker suggested that Arteta is deliberately managing player availability by encouraging withdrawals from international duty to keep his squad fresh for the title run-in.
The comments come after several key Arsenal FC players, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, pulled out of their national teams citing fitness concerns.
Speaking on a podcast, Lineker noted similarities between Arteta’s approach and Ferguson’s well-known tactic of protecting players from unnecessary international matches during crucial periods of the season.
“I think Arteta is playing a Sir Alex role here,” Lineker said, referencing how managers often pressured players to skip friendlies.
During his time at Manchester United, Ferguson was known for prioritising club success by limiting players’ involvement in less critical international fixtures, especially during title-defining moments.
Despite concerns over injuries, some analysts argue the strategy is a calculated move to ensure Arsenal maintain a fully fit squad as they chase their first league title in over two decades.
Arsenal currently sit in a strong position in the title race, with Arteta’s squad management likely to play a decisive role in the closing stages of the season.
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