Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has reacted to the Gunners impressive season by using a key Mikel Arteta example when discussing Xavi Hernandez's future at Barcelona.
The Spanish defender signed for Barca in the summer transfer window after it became clear he was not going to be involved in Arteta's plans for the new season. Ben White is currently impressing at right-back, with Cedric Soares and Takehiro Tomiyasu offering depth in defence meaning Bellerin would have been fourth choice.
The 27-year-old was keen on a return to Spain after enjoying a successful loan spell with Real Betis last term in which he helped the La Liga outfit win the Copa del Rey. The Gunners agreed to terminate Bellerin's contract a year early to allow him to return to his boyhood club Barcelona and play for now under-pressure manager Xavi.
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The Barcelona boss has come under criticism after the Catalan giants missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Instead, Barca will fall into the Europa League in the new year despite investing heavily in the playing squad amidst their massive financial struggles.
When discussing the project Xavi is leading at the Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona's game against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night, Bellerin said: "In football, in general, there is less and less patience. There is clear evidence of how important the process is.
"In England, it has happened with [Pep] Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klopp and Arteta. Projects that have faces and eyes have to be prepared, and the process is long. Confidence and continuing to improve is important. Rome wasn’t built in a day."
Although Barcelona are struggling in Europe, they remain just a point behind leaders Real Madrid in La Liga's title race. Xavi now has a much better squad than he inherited and will be hoping Barcelona believe in him as much as Arsenal believe in Arteta.
The Gunners stuck by their Spanish manager at the end of last season despite missing out on a top four spot at the expense of their north London rivals Tottenham on the final day of the season. Defeats to Spurs and Newcastle in the final three games of the 2021/22 campaign saw Arsenal finish fifth, with many criticising Arteta for his management and tactics.
The decision to stick with the 40-year-old is paying dividends this season, however, with the Gunners challenging at the top of the Premier League, and having already qualified for the Europa League knockout rounds.
Arsenal could now face Barcelona in the latter stages of the Europa League, as the example set by Arteta at the Emirates Stadium shows that, if given time to turn things around, then managers can fully implement their long-term visions.
Barcelona have been reported to be lining up a move for the Arsenal boss if they decide to sack Xavi, but the Gunners will do everything they can to keep hold of Arteta after he signed a new contract until 2027.
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