Mikel Arteta sent a message to the players about their attitude ahead of Saturday’s game against Everton, though he won’t be in charge for the match.

Mikel Arteta via Arsenal (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta via Arsenal (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal announced Mikel Arteta as their new head coach on Friday, and he certainly made a positive first impression on the fans.

In his press conference and in behind-the-scenes videos the former club captain seemed comfortable, confident and ready to show some tough love to an underperforming squad.

Reports suggest Arteta made the same thing clear in a message to the players themselves.

“I will be in the stands tomorrow [Saturday] at Everton,” Arteta told the players.

“I want you to know that I will be watching your attitude, your efforts, your body language. I will see what you do when we lose the ball, what your attitude is. Also, what you do when we have the ball.”

Many members of the current squad need to feel that accountability. The majority seem to believe they’re not the problem right now. They all throw their arms up and stop trying as soon as anyone else makes a mistake.

That isn’t a subtle dig at any individual either. It’s hard for me to think of a player who hasn’t appeared to give up or throw a tantrum at a teammate in the last month or so.

It’s a sign of the huge pressures they’re under, which is understandable. However, the only way they’re going to come out the other side on top is by giving their all again.

We can only hope having a new permanent head coach in charge inspires that reaction from them.

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