Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised former Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka, saying the Swiss international made him a “better coach” during their time together at the club.
Arteta made the remarks on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Sunderland, whose captain is now the 33-year-old Xhaka.
Xhaka returned to the Premier League in July with newly promoted Sunderland after spending two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen, following his 2023 departure from Arsenal.
Reflecting on their time together, Arteta spoke warmly of the midfielder’s impact on and off the pitch.
“I loved every minute we spent together,” he said. “When I joined, he was in a special moment in his life and career. We tried to guide him, give him a different perspective, and make him feel loved and valued.
“He responded in an incredible way. He made me a better coach, helped us develop as a team and as a club, and I will always be grateful because I have great memories with him.”
Xhaka endured a turbulent seven-year spell at Arsenal, which included being stripped of the captaincy by former manager Unai Emery after an angry exchange with fans in 2019. However, Arteta rebuilt his relationship with the player when he took charge two months later.
The Arsenal boss also commended Xhaka’s current form, describing him as “one of the best” performers in the Premier League this season.
“With the impact he’s having—one of the best, I would say,” Arteta noted. “Sunderland’s progress and stability under his leadership have been really impressive.”
Arsenal sit six points clear of second-placed Manchester City and are unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches across all competitions, keeping clean sheets in their last eight.
Despite being strong favourites for their first Premier League title since 2004, Arteta dismissed suggestions that the Gunners would have only themselves to blame if they fail to win.
“Any team has the capacity and belief that they can do it,” he said. “We know our strengths and what we need to improve, and that’s where our focus remains.”
