Former Arsenal icon Robert Pires has claimed that manager Mikel Arteta could be dismissed if he fails to deliver a trophy this season, placing the Spaniard’s long-term future at the club in jeopardy.
‘No Trophy, No Job’: Pires Predicts Arteta’s Exit if Arsenal Fail on Title Promise
The warning comes despite Arsenal being firmly in the hunt for both domestic and European honours.
A dramatic late win at Newcastle United last weekend kept the Gunners close in the Premier League title race, sitting just two points behind leaders Liverpool.
This was followed by a confident 2-0 Champions League victory over Olympiacos, showcasing the team’s competitive edge.
Pires, a member of Arsenal’s legendary ‘Invincibles’ squad, believes patience is wearing thin after nearly five years under Arteta with only one major trophy—the 2020 FA Cup—to show for it.
This is despite significant investment in the squad, with the board having met Arteta’s demands in the summer transfer window.
“In my opinion, if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this year, the management will consider finding another coach,” Pires stated in an interview with Foot Mercato.
“He’s been there for five years and unfortunately, the title has eluded him. What’s important for the fans is the championship”.
Pires pointed to the heavy spending as a key reason for the heightened expectations.
“Money was spent in the summer transfer window. He made certain demands, which were met by the Arsenal board,” he said.
“If Arsenal don’t win the championship, I think there will definitely be a change on the bench”.
While acknowledging the fierce competition from rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, the Frenchman expressed faith in the current squad, concluding that “Arsenal holds the cards and have the players to win the title”.
The comments from a club legend like Pires underscore the immense pressure on Arteta to turn the team’s potential into tangible success this campaign.
