Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his support for Chelsea manager Graham Potter as the pressure grows on the Blues boss after a terrible run of form.
The Premier League leaders face Everton in a rearranged Premier League tie on Wednesday, and Arteta says he empathises with Potter after a torrid couple of weeks for the Englishman which has seen his Chelsea side slip to 14 points off from the Champions League positions.
“We are colleagues and we all know the pressure and the uncertainty this industry has as well because the fact is the ball has to go into that net,” Arteta said.
“There are sometimes many factors that prevent that which you cannot control. So of course you empathise, because you suffer, and because you know how it is going through those moments.”
There was a time when Arteta was in a similar position to the one Potter finds himself in at this moment, with two consecutive eighth placed finishes followed by a terrible start to the 2021/22 season leaving fans’ patience with Arteta wearing thin.
Since defeating Norwich City 1-0 at the Emirates to end their three-match losing start to that season, Arsenal have embarked on a top-four challenge against north London rivals Tottenham, before stepping up a gear this campaign to compete for the title.
The Spaniard admits there were difficult times during these campaigns, but believes the need for balance is crucial for such a process to work.
“You can have difficulties in your job and challenges, which we do especially when you lose, but when you’re winning as well because the job is so demanding,” he explained.
“But you cannot destroy your life because of that, and your family, friends and your loved ones. The people around you don’t deserve to have their lives affected in such a negative way because you lose a football match.
“So that balance I think in my case was critical but you need some help from someone to put that picture in front of you because when you’re in that position it’s not easy to see it.”
Victory for Arsenal would see the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the Premier League back to five points, whilst anything but a win for Everton would see the Toffees remain in the relegation zone in 18th place.
