Premier League Rumors: Brazilian Defender Hails Arteta For Turning Things Around

Mikel Arteta has gotten his share of criticism of handling Arsenal FC. Some are praising him and others not. But for Brazilian defender David Luiz, the 38-year-old coach has done a lot to turn things around for the team and he is grateful to be part of it.

Speaking to ESPN, Luiz pointed out how Arteta was able to give him a better understanding of the team and also rallying everyone to be on the same page right on the very first day when he arrived. The roles of players have been properly defined and most now know what is expected from them.

"Since that first meeting, I saw, breathed and said now I understand why I am here. Since then, I have been enchanted by the form and conduct he had," Luiz said.

Arteta's efforts have resulted in Arsenal placing ninth in the Premier League table before play was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gunners head coach was one of the known personalities who got hit by the coronavirus but has since recovered from it. Even though he was forced into self-quarantine, Arteta still made it a point to work on the team.

But Luiz admitted that when Arteta tested positive for COVID-19, most were sad but also afraid. Most were forced to stay at home but concern for their head coach was likewise in the air.

"We quarantined before everyone else here in England because of that. It was a great warning for us to have someone so close [test positive]," Luiz said.

Though the Gunners are quarantined, players are believed to be still getting assignments. Luiz mentioned how Arteta was like sending them back to school to learn from home with hopes of helping each one and the team improve once the COVID-19 pandemic is contained.

"We have been given assignments just like in school and at university," the Brazilian said.

"I spent an hour and a half on a video call with Arteta, analyzing games and training sessions from this season," the Brazilian defender said.

As for Arteta, work continues to help the Gunners stay the course. Part of that is figuring out the needs of Arsenal heading into the next transfer window. As mentioned in a previous post, Arteta is looking to add more midfielders. Among the possible targets include Carlos Soler and Eduardo Camavinga. This is also in preparation for the possible departure of some players like Mesut Ozil who is allegedly unhappy with Arsenal right now. Given the choice, Arteta would want the German to stay.