Ray Parlour says Mikel Arteta’s man-management skills will be tested by Arsenal job

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Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour said that Mikel Arteta’s man-management skills will be tested by his first role as a manager.

On TalkSport, Parlour highlighted that picking the side and dealing with those players who aren’t involved is something which can test a first-time manager.

He said: “His hardest job is man-management. When you’re number two, you’re everybody’s mate. You haven’t got to pick the side, you’re in the dressing room, chatting with the lads, like you’re a player.

“Now you’re a manager, you’ve got to make the decisions. You might have to upset certain players. You’ve got to get the right balance. Arsene Wenger was a master at it. It’s keeping everybody involved, feeling like you’re wanted. Wenger has said good things about him and if he’s learned a little bit off Pep Guardiola, he’ll bring that to Arsenal.”

TBR’s View – Big ask for Arteta but experience has provided no answers for Arsenal

Wenger and Unai Emery are experienced managers who have had no answer to Arsenal’s many problems, so perhaps it’s time for fresh ideas.

It’s a huge risk for Arsenal – but any appointment at this stage would have downsides as well as potential upsides.

Arteta needs patience from the fans, so long as they can see him being ruthless and casting aside the deadwood and doing his utmost to deal with the defensive problems which have dogged Arsenal for years.