Fabian Hurzeler reveals text conversation with Mikel Arteta after anti-football slam

Fabian Hurzeler reveals text conversation with Mikel Arteta after anti-football slam

Bukayo Saka's deflected shot was enough to seal three points at the Amex but Hurzeler took great issue with what he insists were time-wasting tactics from the Gunners and ensured we all briefly became Arsenal fans after his self-satisfied insistence that "I will never be that kind of manager who tries to win in that way."

"What a surprise" was Arteta's response in his pre-match press conference and Hurzeler looked to clarify his comments as he prepares his side for a trip to Sunderland on Saturday.

Hurzeler said: "I really admire what Arsenal have achieved so far this season and how Arteta and his team work. I will be the first to congratulate then if they win the Premier League.

"I didn't want to upset anyone, but on the other hand, I stick to my word that I wasn't happy about some things that day and all of numbers give me conformation. What I was saying about time wasting, we need to find clear rules about that."

Hurzeler insists Arteta is a "role model" of his and revealed the pair shared a "good exchange" via text message amid the "noise" following the German's outburst.

He added: "I said to Mikel afterwards, and during the week, that I admire his work. I didn't want to create that noise, I just wanted to make my point about how i was feeling. Nothing to do with what they have achieved, it's incredible.

"Arteta is one of the best managers in the world for me, he is a role model - but it is important to say your opinion and not hide your opinion. Even when you are a smaller club.

"That evening, we tried hard to win that game, and faced an Arsenal (team) who did different things. We have to find a way to beat them next time. It will be a different challenge.

"I texted him saying that 'I have huge respect for everyone at Arsenal'.

"If they win the Premier League, they definitely deserve it, but it's just things that made me emotional, and I'm a person who sticks to his principles and opinions.

"It created a lot of noise, but it's important to stand to your opinion - but I did tell Mikel that I have huge respect [for him]. Nothing should stand between us, and the work continues."

When asked if Arteta replied to his message: "Yes. We had a good exchange, he shared his opinion and I shared mine. That is what football is about, everyone defending their side."

Related News

Pep Guardiola warns Man City title hopes 'over' without West Ham win

Pep Guardiola warns Man City title hopes 'over' without West Ham win

  • 10 hours ago

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City's Premier League title challenge could effectively be "over" if they fail to beat West Ham United on Saturday, as the champions look to quickly recover from their Champions League setback against Real Madrid.

Igor Tudor urges Tottenham to 'fight' as relegation threat grows before Liverpool clash

Igor Tudor urges Tottenham to 'fight' as relegation threat grows before Liverpool clash

  • 10 hours ago

Tottenham interim head coach Igor Tudor has challenged his players to show courage and stop "acting like victims" as the club battles to arrest a dramatic slide that has dragged them into the Premier League relegation fight.

Chelsea captain Reece James commits to Stamford Bridge with new long-term contract

Chelsea captain Reece James commits to Stamford Bridge with new long-term contract

  • 14 hours ago

Chelsea captain Reece James has signed a new six-year contract, securing his future at Stamford Bridge until 2032.

Leverkusen aim to halt Bayern's Bundesliga charge

Leverkusen aim to halt Bayern's Bundesliga charge

  • 17 hours ago

Bayer Leverkusen return to Bundesliga action on Saturday as hosts to leaders Bayern Munich, still grappling with inconsistency that threatens their top-four ambitions.