Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given his honest verdict on Granit Xhaka's controversial interview following his side's loss to Newcastle United.
The north Londoners have endured a torrid eight days, losing to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 before the Magpies inflicted a 2-0 defeat upon them on Monday night, taking UEFA Champions League qualification out of their hands. The Gunners' display left a sour taste in the mouth of Swiss international Xhaka, who gave a candid interview after the full-time whistle at St James' Park.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 29-year-old said: "If someone isn't ready for this game, stay at home. It doesn't matter your age. "If you're nervous, stay on the bench or stay at home. You need people to have the balls to come here and play. It's one of the most important games for us. We're feeling very disappointed for the people who came over here."
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The likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were left unimpressed by Xhaka's words and Arteta was asked what he thought of the tough-tackling midfielder's comments ahead of Arsenal's match against Everton. "What we do in the dressing room, we don't comment on it", the Spaniard said.
"The moment you allow a person to be in front of a microphone is to express what their feeling are and Granit is someone who does it in front of the microphone, in front of your eyes and in your face. So there's nothing different."
When Arteta was asked if Xhaka overstepped the mark, he added: "I prefer today not to comment too much on that, but when you allow people to speak in front of the media, you have to allow them to say what they feel, and knowing Granit, that’s what he felt."
