Ljungberg reveals Arteta’s annoyance with Martinelli’s playing style
Former Arsenal player and coach Freddie Ljungberg has shed light on Mikel Arteta’s feelings towards Gabriel Martinelli’s playing style.
Ljungberg, who handed Martinelli his Premier League debut in 2019, revealed that Arteta occasionally gets annoyed by the Brazilian forward’s tendency to stray from instructions.
On Martinelli scoring in his full debut at West Ham when he was in charge: “He did, that’s exactly what I told him before the game,” joked Ljungberg.
“Martinelli, that’s a feeling of football. Arsenal are quite rigid and structured in how they play.
Martinelli’s unpredictable and off-the-cuff approach to the game has proven to be both a strength and a source of frustration for Arteta.
While Ljungberg praised Martinelli’s creativity and effectiveness on the pitch, he acknowledged that it sometimes diverges from Arteta’s tactical plans.
“But I think Martinelli is the one, and I think Arteta gets annoyed with him sometimes, he isn’t doing exactly what he is told. He goes and does his thing. I love that, he is hard to read, Martinelli.
“I think he has more to offer. He has that (bit) extra. Sometimes in training, he didn’t get angry, but he goes where you go ‘woah, that was good’. I believed in that, it’s why I wanted to give the young ones a shot.”
Despite this, Ljungberg emphasized that Martinelli’s unique style is what sets him apart and contributes to his success at Arsenal.
Signed from the lower leagues of Brazilian football, Martinelli has become a key player for the Gunners under Arteta’s management, showcasing his talent and potential.
With Martinelli alongside emerging talents like Bukayo Saka, Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic about the future.
Ljungberg believes that winning a major trophy would further boost the team’s confidence and solidify their place among the Premier League’s elite.
See More:
- Mikel Arteta delivers an update on Gabriel Martinelli’s injury situation
- PSG to offer more than €140m for Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka this summer
